David Nugent

lil eva · David Nugent

SUNDERLAND WAIT ON NUGENT DECISION
Sunderland target David Nugent's future remains uncertain after he held talks with the Wearsiders.

The 22-year-old is understood to have met the Black Cats' hierarchy on Friday after two clubs were given permission to talk to him by Preston following his return from the European Under-21 Championships.

However, North End chairman Derek Shaw admitted he was in the dark over the player's future after he headed off an a week's holiday.

Shaw told his club's official website, www.pnefc.co.uk: "Of the two clubs we gave permission to speak to David Nugent, we believe he met one on Friday. We are not sure at this stage if he 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 today."

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed the club's interest in Liverpool-born Nugent, although he insisted they were not alone.

West Ham, Everton, Derby, Blackburn and Birmingham are among those clubs to have also been linked with the player, who is keen to test himself at Barclays Premier League level after scoring 17 times in the Coca-Cola Championship last season.

The Black Cats appeared to get their blow in first when they got to talk to him amid claims he has told friends he has already decided to head for the the Stadium of Light.

However, until they get a definitive answer, Quinn and manager Roy Keane face an anxious wait.

Keane has been targeting a series of front men, including Valencia's Diego Forlan, and has been credited with an interest in former Manchester United team-mate Alan Smith.

Middlesbrough are understood to have formalised their interest in the 26-year-old former Leeds player, another man who has a series of suitors despite his wish to remain at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are reported to have turned their attentions on the goalkeeping front to Hearts stopper Craig Gordon following Jussi Jaaskelainen's decision to see out the final year of his contract at Bolton.

Whatever happens on the transfer front over the next few weeks, skipper Dean Whitehead admits he is delighted he chose to stay at the Stadium of Light following relegation at the end of the 2005-06 season.

The 25-year-old midfielder had the chance to join a top-flight club, but decided instead to fight for an instant return with his existing employers.

He told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "It was the toughest decision I have ever had to make, but it is, without doubt, the best decision I have ever made.

"I had the choice last summer, but I wanted to stay with Sunderland and wanted to get them back in to the Premier League.

"I have since been made captain by the manager and we won promotion at the first time of asking, so hopefully I will be able to play my part in keeping us there for many years."