Wigan Athletic defender Paul Scharner has rejected a £6 million move to Sunderland.

The Daily Mail says Scharner has snubbed former boss Steve Bruce by refusing a £6million deal to follow him to Sunderland despite declaring his aim to quit Wigan.

The Austrian international centre-back, 29, is under contract for two more years and claims interest from Fulham, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa.

But he insists joining Sunderland would be a backward step. He said: "I have decided that I want to change clubs.

"My fee is £6m, and there has been interest from clubs in England and Germany.

"It was a big surprise when Steve Bruce left Wigan. But I can't see myself joining Sunderland. They are certainly not an improvement on Wigan. Besides, I did not get on too well with Bruce's style of play."