Sunderland never offered a new contract to former manager Roy Keane, it has been revealed.

The People says the Irishman walked out on the Black Cats earlier this month after a poor run of results.

And, just 24 hours after Sunderland named Ricky Sbragia as Keane's successor on an 18-month contract, it can be revealed that the club dithered over a new deal for the United legend.

A source close to Keane said: "If people thought that Roy was being evasive about signing a new contract it's because while there were verbal talks nothing was ever put down in front of him."