Sunderland boss O'Neill confirms bid for Davies rejected

Kevin Davies' contract at Bolton Wanderers expires at the end of the current campaign.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that he had a bid for Bolton striker Kevin Davies rejected, although talks between the clubs are ongoing.

"We have have made an offer and that has been rejected," said O'Neill. "We will see where we stand later today."

The 34-year-old Davies's contract expires at the end of the season.

On Saturday, Trotters boss Owen Coyle suggested that Davies still had a future at the Reebok Stadium beyond Tuesday's transfer deadline.

"He is a terrific captain and has a role to play at this football club," said Coyle.

Asked if Davies's substitute appearance in Saturday's FA Cup win over Swansea could be his last in a Bolton shirt, Coyle said: "I would be very surprised if that was the case.

"There is all sorts of speculation. When good players are out of the team, that is always going to happen.

"I can understand why there would be interest. Martin O'Neill did ring me to make an inquiry, but I told him that Kevin was a part of my plans and that I don't want him going anywhere."

Sunderland's need is pressing, with loan signing Nicklas Bendtner expected to be out of action until the middle of next month with a broken nose.

Fraizer Campbell eased Sunderland's worries to a certain extent when he scored the equaliser in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Middlesbrough, his first senior match after 18 months out injured.