Sunderland manager Roy Keane's hopes of landing Portsmouth midfielder Matt Taylor were dashed today when he signed for Bolton Wanderers.
The 26-year-old was understood to be among Keane's list of potential recruits after admitting his wish to leave Fratton Park, but this afternoon he signed a three-year-and-a-half-year deal at the Reebok Stadium.
That will come as a blow both to Keane and Middlesbrough counterpart Gareth Southgate, who is also thought to have expressed an interest in the former Luton Town player.
While the Black Cats may have to swallow their disappointment on that front, they will hope they do not suffer at Portsmouth's hands a second time.
The two clubs are also understood to be trailing Chelsea's Steve Sidwell with the 25-year-old desperate for regular football.
