Keane loses patience with Nugent deal

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The Black Cats agreed an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £6million, for the 22-year-old several weeks ago and were given permission to talk to him, however, Nugent went away on holiday after the European Under-21 Championships in Holland without making a decision, and Sunderland manager Roy Keane has lost patience and is now looking elsewhere.

Chief executive Peter Walker said: "I can confirm that we have withdrawn our offer for the player. Naturally, work continues behind the scenes to strengthen our squad ahead of the new season and talks are ongoing with a number of targets."

Just last week, chairman Niall Quinn insisted he understood Nugent needed time to make his decision with several suitors in the market for him. However, Keane has repeatedly insisted during his time in charge at the Stadium of Light that he wants a squad of players whose commitment to the club is complete.

There is little doubt he was desperate to recruit the former Bury striker, who scored 17 goals for North End last season, and Quinn backed him with an early and substantial bid. However, another unnamed club were also given permission to talk to the player, with others waiting in the wings.

Reports have repeatedly linked the Liverpool-born frontman with Everton, the club he supported as a boy, but the Toffees are yet to register a formal interest amid speculation they are hoping to strike a cut-price deal in January.

But having seen another one-time target Diego Forlan leave Villarreal for Atletico Madrid, Keane has called time on his interest and has now turned his attention to the remaining names on his list.

Heerenveen's 26-year-old hotshot Afonso Alves is the latest man to be linked with a switch to Wearside after scoring 34 times in 31 games for his club last season.

But it is understood the manager wants to recruit a striker with a proven pedigree in the Barclays Premier League.

Former Manchester United team-mate Alan Smith seems unlikely to be that man with Middlesbrough leading the chase for a player who still hopes to have a future at Old Trafford.