Sunderland boss Roy Keane was tonight facing up to further frustration after his protracted pursuit of Leighton Baines came to nothing.

Wearside was buzzing on Monday when it emerged that Wigan, who had turned down three earlier bids for their 22-year-old left-back, had finally given the Black Cats permission to talk to him.

However, the Latics today revealed the England Under-21 international would not be heading north and was instead included in the squad for tonight's friendly at Blackpool after recovering from a virus.

The news came amid claims that Everton had made a move for the Liverpool-born defender, although Wigan manager Chris Hutchings was treading a diplomatic line as he commented on Baines' return to the squad.

He told the club's official website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "Leighton is finally over his virus. He trained for the first time this summer yesterday and he will be involved in some capacity tonight.

Hutchings did not mention Sunderland and their pursuit directly, but added: "Leighton is a first class pro and a first class person and despite all the speculation and rumour surrounding his future, he has remained professional throughout and as ever is a joy to work with.

"I have coached him since he first broke into the first team as a young apprentice and taken great satisfaction in how he has developed as a player and an individual."

Sunderland have found the going tough in the summer transfer market despite investing around £16million in Greg Halford, Russell Anderson, Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson and Dickson Etuhu since winning promotion back to the Barclays Premier League.

Keane withdrew his offer for Preston striker David Nugent after waiting in vain for an answer from Baines' England Under-21 team-mate.

He has so far been unable to prise Hearts' £10million-rated keeper Craig Gordon away from the Edinburgh club, but is continuing to pursue a series of targets.

The Corkman was heavily linked with West Brom duo Paul McShane and Paul Robinson earlier this summer, and it is understood his interest in compatriot McShane persists.

Sunderland, who sold Stephen Elliott to Wolves last week, have also been touted as prospective buyers for Kilmarnock's 20-year-old frontman Steven Naismith during the close-season, and those rumours have re-surfaced once again.