News from Sunderland

Some latest news from the newly promote team to EPL, lead by previous Man Utd skipper Roy Keane...

Preston North End have confirmed that Sunderland are no longer interested in signing England international David Nugent.

The Black Cats were given permission to discuss terms with the striker, along with another unnamed Premier League club, but have now withdrawn an offer which was believed to be in the region of £7million.

Reports in the English media have claimed that Nugent could be holding out for a potential move to boyhood club Everton, with Portsmouth also understood to be keen on the player who scored on his England debut in March.

Sunderland held talks with the striker before he went on holiday at the end of June, and Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn recently rated his club's chances of completing the signing at 50-50.

However, the North East club will now turn their attentions to other targets after Preston confirmed that Sunderland had officially withdrawn their interest.

"North End chairman Derek Shaw received a phone call from Sunderland chief executive Peter Walker at 3.15pm on Monday 2nd July which explained that after discussions with manager Roy Keane, Sunderland football club would be pulling out of their interest in Preston striker David Nugent," confirmed a statement on Preston's website.

Black Cats chief executive Walker has also confirmed that Nugent is no longer a target, stating: "I can confirm that we have withdrawn our offer for the player.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."