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Cahill increasingly unlikely to join Sunderland

Premier League fans are unlikely to see Tim Cahill in Sunderland colours © Getty Images

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New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill is unlikely to join Sunderland on loan this January.

Cahill, 33, joined the Red Bulls in July from Everton for a fee reported to be close to £1 million; signing a designated player contract with the club.

Keen to maintain his fitness during Major League Soccer's offseason, it was believed that Cahill was close to securing a temporary move to Wearside, despite previously stating he would only ever return to England with former club Everton.

However this now looks unlikely, with reports in New York claiming the club's sporting director Andy Roxburgh is reluctant to see players depart on winter loan moves.

Still without a head-coach, former Swansea and QPR manager Paulo Sousa is being heavily discussed in conjunction with the vacant position at the Red Bulls, ESPN understands from sources close to the situation.

The 42-year-old was recently at Hungarian side Videoton, but agreed a mutual termination of his contract with the club on Monday, citing family reasons; paving the way for him to join MLS and the Red Bulls.

Meanwhile Black Cats manager Martin O'Neill has remained coy on the situation, having previously hinted that he would be interested in bringing Cahill back to the Premier League.

Speaking earlier this month O'Neill said: "There are two things to it. One, if you felt a player was coming here who was going to be of value early but also can take the club along and improve the club I don't mind doing it.

"That I don't mind. If you are going to pay money for players, and I say players, that was not a slip, if that was the case they would improve the team immediately but also for foreseeable future. We are all looking to do deals but I would not say everything is ready to move the minute January 1 falls."

Despite this latest set-back the club remain hopeful of adding new players, with a deal for Bursaspor midfielder Alfred N'Diaye close to completion.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.