Keane snubs Sunderland after Leeds agree to sell

Sunderland's hopes of capturing the £9m-rated Robbie Keane from Leeds United have been dealt a blow, after the Republic of Ireland striker vowed to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place.

The Wearside club were yesterday given permission to speak to Keane after agreeing an undisclosed fee with the managerless Yorkshire outfit, and were hopeful of tying up a deal within days. But, as Sunderland's negotiators prepared to go to work, the player gave his side of the story.

"I do not want to speak to any other club," Keane said. "I'm happy at Leeds United and am confident that I can impress any new manager with my ability and commitment."

Keane's stance, which puts him in a strong bargaining position, may cut little ice with Leeds, who are trying to recoup £15m in an attempt to stave off the need to sell the England defender Rio Ferdinand, a £35m target for Manchester United. However, the Sunderland manager Peter Reid will hope he can win over the 21-year-old as he attempts to add to his striking strength.

The Black Cats were initially confident of pushing through a deal for the player which would suit both clubs. Leeds would be happy to accept a deal at a good price as they are looking to cut their losses after their failure to qualify for the Champions' League, which was the reason they gave for David O'Leary's sacking as manager last week.

The move would have been the fourth major transfer of the talented Keane's career, after his £6m switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Coventry City, a surprise £13m transfer to Internazionale and then his £12m return from Italy to the Premiership with Leeds.

Reid has added the experienced former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool defender Phil Babb to his Sunderland squad on a free transfer from the Portuguese double-winners, Sporting Lisbon.

Paul Ince, 34, has left Middlesbrough after turning down a new two-year deal. The club captain and former England international decided not to take up the offer because of the travelling involved from his family home in the North-West to Teesside.

Ince's decision will come as a disappointment to the Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren, who now faces the task of rebuilding his midfield just weeks before the start of the new season.