BURNLEY boss Owen Coyle has revealed he enquired about taking Sunderland outcast Liam Miller on loan.

But, despite the Republic of Ireland international being put on the transfer list by Black Cats boss Roy Keane, Coyle said he was told the midfielder was unavailable.

"Any manager is looking to bring in players on a daily basis, but there are a lot of factors that need to come together," he said. "One, the player needs to be available; two, the club needs to be willing to loan him out; and three, the player needs to be willing to join the respective club that's interested.

"It's not as easy as picking the phone up and it happens.

"Since the January window went I've been actively speaking to clubs about players, even to the extent of yesterday.

"Unfortunately it never came off, but we certainly enquired about Liam Miller, who I believe is a very good player."

Miller was transfer-listed at the end of last month for poor time-keeping and did not make the squad for last weekend's goalless draw at Derby.

At the time, Keane said: "As long as he is under the roof (and) he is working hard, he might get an opportunity. "It (his career) is not over. If I don't get the calls from other clubs, he keeps training well and is on time, he will be in my thoughts."

League One side Leeds were reportedly interested in Miller as were Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC.

But it would appear the 27-year-old has battled his way back into contention in training this week and a reserves match at Wigan, which Sunderland won 4-1.

Keane said: "Liam's shown a good attitude and done himself no harm but we will have to wait and see."