Vieira denies Sunderland transfer rumours

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 04: Patrick Vieira of Inter Milan and Gaby Mudingayi of Bologna in action during the Serie A match between FC Inter Milan and Bologna FC at the Stadio Meaazza on October 04, 2008 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by New Press/Getty Images)Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira has quashed rumours that he intends to join Roy Keane's Sunderland.

Vieira had been linked to a move back to the Premiership this weekend, but has since stated that he remains committed to the Inter Milan cause despite Keane's interest in his services.

"We're progressing in the Champions League and the club is up at the top of the Italian league, so it's an exciting time to be here,” Vieira told Inside Sport. “We're all focused on the task at Inter. The new manager has left us in no doubt about what he wants. He expects us to be just like him, 100 per cent on the job."

While Vieira is reported to be happy playing under Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, the midfielder has hinted that the level of opposition in Serie A falls short of what he became accustomed to in the Premier League.

"Winning the Champions League is the dream of everyone here," Vieira was quoted as saying on Goal.com. "But Serie A has been falling behind the Premier League.We know if you want to win the European Cup, we are going to have to beat the top English clubs at some point."