Sunderland Football Club have failed with an attempt to sign Younes Kaboul.

The former France Under-21 international captain was linked with Manchester City earlier this month, but Steve Bruce is hoping to lure him to the Stadium of Light.

Kaboul is one of Portsmouth’s key players as they look to avoid relegation, but their financial situation makes any members of their squad potential transfer targets.

However, reports in The Mirror claim the Black Cats have failed with an offer of £7million and Anton Ferdinand for the player, who was formerly of Tottenham Hotspur.

Pompey’s transfer embargo, which prevents them from signing any new players, would scupper such a deal anyway, unless it is lifted before the end of the month.

Therefore, only a straight cash bid would lure Kaboul, 24, from Fratton Park, and it is believed the Premier League’s bottom club want as much as £14million for his signature.

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