John Mensah in dressing-room bust-up

Sunderland defenders John Mensah and Nedum Onuoha had a furious dressing-room bust-up after Saturday's dire 3-1 defeat by Wolves.

Sportsmail has learned that the central defensive partners, who are both nearing the end of their loan spells on Wearside, were toe to toe in an ill-tempered exchange.

Ghana captain Mensah was taken off by manager Steve Bruce with two minutes left after a poor display. The Lyon defender stormed down the tunnel without acknowledging Bruce and was later the only player not dressed in his club suit to leave.

Onuoha criticised Mensah's display, sparking a confrontation in which the two had to be separated by team-mates to stop it escalating.

A source told Sportsmail: 'Onuoha told him exactly what he thought of his performance. Mensah didn't take too kindly to the criticism and just went for him. The others players were obviously shocked.'

Mensah is now likely to return to France after a second injury-hit season. Bruce would like to sign Onuoha but is put off by Manchester City's £8million valuation.