Rumour Mill-Liam Miller

The Clarets are reported to have tried and failed to sign out-of-favour Sunderland midfielder Liam Miller on loan.

The former Celtic and Manchester United Republic of Ireland International signed for Sunderland on a free transfer in August 2006 joining up with new Sunderland manager, and former Manchester United and Ireland captain, Roy Keane. He signed a three-year deal

Miller however was recently reprimanded and transfer-listed by Roy Keane two weeks ago for turning up late for training once too often. He was left out of the match against Derby and did not feature in Sunderland's 1-0 defeat at home against Everton on Sunday.

The Irish Sun claims that Burnley manager Owen Coyle enquired about his availability.

The fact he was unsuccessful suggests that the 27-year-old Cork born player still has a part to play for Sunderland this season despite being transfer-listed.

Black Cats boss Keane is standing by his decision regarding Miller's reprimand.

'Liam's agent has been saying a lot of things this week,'

'I was happy with the number of chances we created (in the Derby match at Pride Park) and I am 100 per cent sure that I made the right decision on the issue.

'Do you think it's OK to turn up late for work?'

Miller has also been linked with another loan spell at Leeds United, The player spent a lengthy spell at Elland Road on loan during the 2005/06 season.

Its difficult to know if there is any truth in this rumour, Owen Coyle does have close connections with Sunderland having signed two players on loan already from the Black Cats in Stan Varga and Andrew Cole. However it seems strange that Keane wont release a transfer-listed player and do we actually need another midfielder at the moment? The player's preferred position is central midfield although he can play on the right wing. Its a left winger we need?