Peter Crouch has revealed he had agreed terms to join the Black Cats before pulling the plug at the last minute.
Steve Bruce was keen to add more firepower to his front line in 2009 and wanted to bring the 6ft7 striker to Wearside from Portmsouth.
Crouch revealed that he met Bruce, had a tour of the training ground and had in fact agreed terms.
Responding to a Sunderland fan, Dave Camsey, in his weekly column at the DailyMail, Crouch said: "I can assure you, Davey, it had nothing to do with the city, club or manager.
"In 2009, I had flown up from Portsmouth to see Steve Bruce, I got a tour of the training ground — which is absolutely fantastic — and had agreed terms. I'd have loved to play for Steve.
"But on my way home I got a call from Harry Redknapp, who wanted me at Tottenham. I was living in London at the time and I'd worked with Harry at Portsmouth and Southampton.
"I just felt Tottenham would be the better option and I went with my gut instinct. I hope, someday soon, your team will be back in the Premier League."
