The 31-year-old Stoke striker asked Tony Pulis for permission to meet Sunderland as the two sides finalise the fee to make Fuller's Darren Bent's short-term replacement.
The arrival of John Carew on loan from Aston Villa has also increased speculation that 31-year-old Fuller could be on his way out of the Britannia Stadium.
Pulis said: 'Sunderland have made an offer and both clubs are talking. But it is not just Sunderland - other clubs are interested.
'Ric has been here five-and-a-half years but if someone comes in and makes a"worldy" offer which benefits him for the rest of his life and we can't match it then we as a football club have a responsibility and a respectfor the lad.
'If we think it is beneficial for us as well as Ricardo then we'll get the deal done.'
Bruce, who also maintains an interest in West Ham's Frederic Piquionne, meanwhile has concluded loan deals to take Sulley Muntari from Inter Milan and Benin international Stephane Sessegnon from Paris St Germain. He will have to pay £4m each for the African pair to make their deals permanent in the summer.
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail