Roy Keane’s mission of assembling a competitive squad for Sunderland’s return to the Premier League was ramping up with a list of players now being linked with the club.
Already arriving through the door were Reading defender Greg Halford along with Aberdeen captain Russell Anderson, with the club now linked with Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon after having their initial bid of £5 million rejected by the Edinburgh side.
Much speculation surrounded who Keane would eye up for his striking options, and
one name that was beginning to crop up more and more was Preston North End striker, David Nugent. Nugent, who already had one international cap for England, was hotly tipped to make a move after an impressive season in the EFL Championship.
Clearly, he caught Keane’s eye and many media outlets were reporting that Sunderland, along with Portsmouth, were extremely interested in acquiring his services after having a bid of £6 million accepted by Preston.
On this day, this was confirmed by Preston chairman Derek Shaw who revealed that two clubs had met the Lancashire club’s valuation of Nugent and that he was now taking time to consider his options.
“Of the two clubs we gave permission to speak to David, we believe he met one on Friday,” said the Lilywhites chairman Derek Shaw, referring to Sunderland. “We are not sure at this stage if he has met the other club.
“We have been informed that David has now gone on holiday for a week and we are hoping to get an update from his representative.”
Nugent, who was reportedly a huge Everton fan, appeared to be utilising some delay tactics in making his final decision in the hope of Everton manager David Moyes making a move for him. This apparently was very unlikely given the fact that Moyes was choosing to use the finances available to him elsewhere.
Furthermore, according to reports in the Northern Echo, the money being offered in Portsmouth was far more substantial than what we offered Nugent though the lure of playing under a legendary figure like Keane was hoped to be a deal breaker.
Over a week later, reports emerged that Roy Keane grew impatient with the Nugent transfer saga as he was still awaiting a response leading the club to release a statement stating that they will focus their interests elsewhere.
“I can confirm we have withdrawn our offer for the player.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 on-going with a number of targets.”
Days later, with no Everton in sight Nugent signed for Pompey where he became one of season’s biggest flops with Harry Redknapp said to have wanted to sell the striker in the same transfer window that he was purchased in!
