The muscular Steaua Bucharest defender was a standout player in Romania's Euro 2008 campaign.

Steaua want 4.8million euros – just over £3.8m – and Sunderland have retreated to consider their position.

It's looking increasing unlikely that the Black Cats will be able to persuade Manchester United to part with Jonny Evans again.

And boss Roy Keane is eager to add more class to his rearguard, which looked so much stronger with Northern Ireland international Evans at its heart during loan spells in the last two seasons.

The Wearsiders returned to pre-season training today with a familiar look to them – having not signed a single player in the 61 days since last season ended with a 1-0 home loss to Arsenal.

Steaua president Gigi Becali confirmed last night that Sunderland have inquired about Goian's availability and had been told the asking price.

The Black Cats' hierarchy are working feverishly on a number of fronts and Goian is not their only target in defence.

He has been linked with Newcastle and Aston Villa this summer but interested parties have been baulked by Bucharest's initial demands for £5m.

But the Romanian giants appear to be getting more realistic.

The 27-year-old has played 21 times for his country, including a crucial winner in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign against Holland – Romania's first ever victory over the Dutch.

He joined Steaua from FCM Bacãu in 2005 and played a big part in their title-winning campaign in 2005-06.

A threat at set-pieces, he five goals in 14 Uefa Cup ties that season before going out in a thrilling semi-final against Middlesbrough.

Goian started Romania's opening Euro 2008 group games – draws with France and Italy – but was suspended for the third, a 2-0 loss to Holland, which sent his country crashing out.

The 6ft 4in stopper has featured prominently in Steaua's Champions League campaigns in the last two seasons.




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