ROY KEANE has confirmed that winger Tobias Hysen is on his way back to Sweden.
The Black Cats boss has admitted that Sunderland are negotiating with a club – believed to be IFK Gothenburg – to allow Hysen to return to his homeland.
Hysen did not travel out to Portugal with the rest of the Sunderland squad for their pre-season training camp earlier this week, staying in England and playing in the reserves’ friendly at Berwick instead.
Keane said today: “We are in negotiations with a club about Toby, regarding a move back to Sweden.
“I spoke to Toby a couple of weeks ago when we first came back and he told me he was missing home and his girlfriend was struggling to settle in.
“He’s a good pro but it is difficult sometimes when you move country.
“I don’t have a problem with that, but I asked him to give it a week.
“Just prior to the (Portugal) trip I spoke to him again and his thoughts hadn’t changed.
“So I thought it was best we didn’t take him with us as he might not be here at the start of the season.”
Hysen was brought to Sunderland from Djurgarden last summer for £1.7m. He was signed by Niall Quinn during his brief spell as chairman-manager.
Hysen made 26 League appearances for Sunderland last season, scoring four goals.
Republic of Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh also missed out on the Portugal trip but Keane said that was because he wanted to play him at Berwick to give him another game as he continues his recovery from long-term injury.
Meanwhile, Keane has spoken of his disappointment at failing to land Wigan defender Leighton Baines. The England Under-21 left-back rejected a move to Wearside yesterday after Sunderland had agreed a £6m fee with the Latics.
Wigan gave Sunderland permission to open talks with Baines, but the 22-year-old turned down the chance to move to the North East.
Merseysider Baines is an Everton fan, and rumours that the Toffeemen could be ready to launch a bid for him appear to have been a big factor in his decision.
Keane (below) said: “It is frustrating but sometimes you get vibes about these things, and when Everton’s name was mentioned in the last few days, I thought that it might be difficult for us to pull this deal off.
“Until a player signs on the dotted line, there is always a doubt there.
“Leighton was fine and he has his reasons.
“He supports Everton and is from the area, so that made it difficult for us.
“That happens sometimes – I know myself that when I left Man United it didn’t matter who came in for me, I was going to Celtic.”
Sunderland fly out to Ireland tomorrow for a tour that will see them play three games in five days.
Dean Whitehead and Grant Leadbitter both have injuries, and Keane said: “Dean has a foot injury but hopefully he will be OK to travel. Grant is 50-50.”
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