Last Updated: Thu, 15 May 2008 10:57
Sunderland's hopes of signing Jonny Evans have been dealt a blow with the news Manchester United could sell Gerard Pique instead.
Centre-half Pique has seen more game-time at Old Trafford this season than ever before after spending last term on loan in Spain with Real Zaragoza where he linked up with Gabi Milito.
Milito made the switch to Barcelona last summer but recently picked up a serious knee injury so Barca need a replacement to step straight into the side and £4m-rated Pique is the name in the frame.
If Sir Alex Ferguson decides to allow Pique to move on then he looks highly unlikely to allow Evans to join former loan club Sunderland on a permanent deal.
Evans has admitted he would like to sign for Sunderland but it looks as though the decision will be taken out of his hands.