Iraq star keen on Black Cats move

Iraq international Nashat Akram would love to play for Sunderland manager Roy Keane after confirming his agent held talks with the Premier League newcomers earlier this summer.

The midfielder, widely regarded as one of the best in the history of Iraqi football, is currently on duty with his country at the AFC Asian Cup and played in their 1-1 draw with Thailand on Saturday.

He has been linked with a move to Europe for some time and in June it was reported on his official website that “negotiations with the English club Sunderland are still going and have reached a great level”.

However, as he prepares for Iraq’s second game of the tournament against Australia on Friday, Akram admitted there have been no further developments with regards to a move to Roy Keane’s side.

“I haven’t heard anything,” the 22-year-old told PA Sport. “My agent is dealing with everything but for now I am playing at the Asian Cup and I am concentrating only on this. After it has finished I will think about that then.

“I have never spoken to anyone at Sunderland, only my agent has talked to them.”

Akram, who plays for Saudi Arabia side Al-Shabab, admitted Keane is someone he admires and would love the chance to play in England’s top flight.

He added: “Of course I’d like to play in the Premier League, everybody wants to play there. I know about their coach Roy Keane and that would be good for me and good for Iraqi people.”