Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Forlan: I rejected Black Cats

19 Jun 2007 - 14:20:28

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Villarreal striker Diego Forlan has revealed that three Premiership clubs are interested in securing his services this summer and said that he turned down the chance of a loan move to Sunderland in January.

The 28-year-old Uruguay international has enjoyed three successful seasons with the Yellow Submarine following his ill-fated spell at Manchester United, but is more than happy to try his luck in England again.

"It's not only Liverpool who've asked about signing me," he insisted.

"In January, I rejected a loan move to Sunderland. I also know another Premier League club is asking about my availability.

"I've signed a new deal with Villarreal and they have an exit clause of around £15million in my contract.

"I could have won a few bets after I failed at United. During my time in Spain I've demonstrated I can face up to big challenges."

Forlan has scored 57 goals in 119 appearances in his three years at Villarreal after managing to find the net only 17 times in 97 games for United.