The two clubs said to be leading the chase for Shaun Goater's signature are refusing to confirm or deny that they are in the hunt.

As players begin to return for pre-season training, Goater's future at Manchester City is still up in the air with both Sunderland and Sheffield United remaining tight-lipped when contacted by .

The 33-year-old wants to leave City in order to guarantee regular first team football, but, as yet, no one has been prepared to stump up the rumoured ?1-million asking fee. Coupled with Goater's top flight wages, it seems those that might be interested are prepared to sit and wait - for the time being at least.

Manchester City spokeswoman, Vicky Kloss, said that the Bermudian was at the City of Manchester Stadium - the club's new home - on Monday but said there was no news on his future.

"There is nothing to report that I am aware of," she said, adding that players returned for training yesterday.

Sunderland has been regularly touted as a potential destination for Goater. Manager Mick McCarthy is said to be a fan of the player and there is no doubt he could do a job for the Wearsiders as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of relegation from the Premiership.

However, a club spokeswoman would only say: "We never comment on player speculation either in or out of the club. We would put something on the website as soon as it happened, if it did."

Sunderland's players also returned to training yesterday and the spokeswoman said there would not be any new faces among their ranks.

"We haven't made any signings," she said.

Meanwhile, at Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United, a spokesman adopted the same familiar stance when questioned.

"I cannot comment either way," he said. "It is something that I have seen in the papers as well, but then again we are linked with somebody every day."

The Black Cats and Blades, as well as other potential suitors, may be keeping their heads down for the time being in the hope that City will offer Goater a free transfer as the start of the season nears.

If he is regarded as surplus to requirements it may be that they opt to cut their losses, save on his wages and, in a back-handed compliment, let him go for nothing.

The body of Cameroon and Manchester City midfielder Marc-Viven Foe has been returned to his family for mourning ceremonies in Lyon before he is flown to his native country to be buried.

Foe died after collapsing during his country's semi-final win over Colombia in the Confederations Cup last Thursday.