10 Players You Didn't Know Sunderland Almost Signed

8. Peter Crouch

Has there ever been a Premier League also-ran that hasn't been linked with the journeyman Peter Crouch? Probably not, but in July 2009, Sunderland were at the forefront of a three-pronged tussle with Fulham and Spurs for the services of the Pompey target man. Having spent just one season as something of a 'returning hero' on the south-coast with Portsmouth following his Anfield exit, a car-boot sale was sanctioned, with the powers-that-be clamouring to plug the widening holes of debt. The first cracks were appearing in the fiscal health of the 2008 FA Cup winners, and their stellar target man was subsequently flaunted in the shop window in a bid to ameliorate the situation. Having agreed an extortionate fee of £12 million for the England international, Crouch looked all set to sign on the dotted line for the Black Cats having shook hands over agreeable personal terms. However, their hopes were dashed at the last minute, as the former Liverpool frontman indicated his preference to remain in the south of England, leading Sunderland to reluctantly withdraw their offer, and clear the path for a £9 million move to Spurs.

''Naturally this is hugely disappointing for us as Peter was one of our primary targets. 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.'' - Steve Bruce, July 2009.