Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has cooled talk of a move for Manchester City defender Tal Ben Haim.

The Black Cats have been heavily linked with the Israel international centre-back, who fits the profile of the type of player on the manager's wish-list.

Sbragia has revealed he is looking for a quality centre-half with Premier League experience.

And Ben Haim would appear to fit the bill after spending five seasons in the top flight at Bolton, Chelsea and now Manchester City.

But Sbragia told the Sunderland Echo: "He's not someone we've been in for."

Sbragia insists he was never chasing the 26-year-old, nor was he the player Sunderland missed out on at the weekend.

Despite the latest setback, Sbragia is still hopeful of strengthening before the transfer window closes with, "one, possibly two players coming in".