10 Players You Didn't Know Sunderland Almost Signed

4. Diego Forlan

Just one of a legion of ex-Man United colleagues linked with the Sunderland renaissance, Roy Keane had hoped that his legendary sway at Old Trafford might have convinced some old comrades to join his first managerial foray. While Keane no doubt spent countless times pulling his hair out at the profligacy of Diego Forlan during an ill-fated stint at Old Trafford, there was no denying his undoubted class. After all, he has since scored over 120 goals in Spain, and was crowned the tournament's best player in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A far cry from his return of 10 goals from 63 outings in the Premier League, with an open goal miss against Juventus summing up his difficulties in England. Nevertheless, Keane made an approach for his former colleague in the spring of 2007, with the Black Cats on course for a landslide Championship victory.

''Roy called me to explain his project at Sunderland and offered me the chance to play there as one of the main signings for next season. I am very honoured he called but I am happy here.'' - Diego Forlan, April 2007.

Was he that happy at Villareal, or had the nightmarish memories of England scared him away from every returning? Judging by his subsequent move to Athletico Madrid in June, one would have to suspect the latter. He ended the season with 23 goals to his name, and having forged a deadly partnership with a certain Sergio Aguero. Keane, on the other hand, was trying to extract blood from a stone in the form of Michael Chopra and Kenwyne Jones. At least he tried.