Crouch rebuffs Sunderland approach

England striker Peter Crouch will not be going to Sunderland after all, Black Cats manager Steve Bruce said on the club’s website on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Portsmouth player held talks with Bruce last week after Sunderland offered 12 million pounds (19.7-million-dollar) for the former Liverpool star.

But Sunderland have been joined in the race for Crouch by Fulham and Tottenham, whose manager Harry Redknapp worked with the towering forward at Portsmouth.

Crouch has indicated he is more interested in a south of England club.

“Naturally this is hugely disappointing for us as Peter was one of our primary targets,” Bruce said in a statement on the website.

“I know he was impressed with the set-up here when he came for talks, but it’s simply a matter of geographical location and that’s not something we can affect.”

Bruce said he was looking at a number of possible players to be approached for the striker role.

“We have a number of irons in the fire at present and we will be looking to make several additions to our squad in the coming weeks,” he added.