Keane declines Vogel deal

Swiss midfielder offered to Sunderland

Last updated: 19th January 2008

johann vogel

Vogel: Not going to Sunderland

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane has revealed he was offered the chance to sign Johann Vogel.

The Switzerland midfielder is available on a free transfer after leaving Real Betis at the end of last month.

He had not featured for the Spanish side this season and has previously been a target for Everton.

Vogel was also linked with a switch to Sunderland, but Keane has not followed up an opportunity to sign the experienced anchor man.

"He was a player who was brought to our attention, but if I showed you a list of players who were brought to our attention in any given week you'd be surprised how long the list would be," Keane told the Sunderland Echo.

"We are still looking at strengthening the side, but stories of players turning us down left, right and centre simply aren't the case."

Misleading

Keane has been linked with a string of players during the January transfer window, but is baffled by the speculation which has included suggestions of a bid to sign Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell on loan.

He added: "We were interested in Matt Taylor, but some of the other stuff that goes round, I've got no idea where it comes from.

"This whole Steve Sidwell stuff - I've no idea where that came from, but there was nothing in it and it annoys me when stories circulate that aren't the case, because they are misleading."