Roy Keane has been thwarted in his attempt to make Jonny Evans part of a Northern Ireland double act at Sunderland.

The Black Cats boss tied up a deal to take record goalscorer David Healy to the Stadium of Light on Thursday night, but Evans won’t be joining him.

The Belfast Telegraph has learned that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has turned down a massive £10million offer for the 20-year-old — a figure that would have made him by far the most expensive Northern Ireland international of all time.

Evans is interested in a move to Sunderland, where he had loan spells in each of the last two seasons, but Ferguson has said no.

“I think everyone knows that Roy Keane would like to sign me permanently,” Evans told the Belfast Telegraph last night.

“I had a taste of Premier League football with Sunderland last season and it made me want more.

“I wanted to join Sunderland this summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson made it clear that he needs me for cover at the back and has said that I will get games.

“I think that if it gets to the stage where I am not getting enough games then he would allow me to leave in order for my career to progress.

“Every player will tell you that there is nothing better than playing week in, week out, but some times you have to be patient due to the circumstances.

“I will continue to work hard at United and who knows what may happen in the future”

Evans played in both the Carling Cup and Champions League last season, but has yet to play a league game for the club, although he was an unused substitute in both the Community Shield win over Portsmouth and Sunday’s opening Premier League game against Newcastle United.