JAN KOLLER will not be moving to Sunderland this summer after his agent, on a day of confusion, insisted the giant striker is staying at Borussia Dortmund.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy has earmarked Koller - one of his predecessors' major targets - as the man to lead his side's attack on the Premiership stage.

At 6ft 6in, the 32-year-old is seen as the perfect foil for the diminutive and more predatory play of young Irishman Stephen Elliott.

But, while Koller's experience is something McCarthy is keen to add to a youthful squad ahead of the club's return to the top-flight next season, the forward is in no rush to leave Germany.

His agent Pavel Paska said: "These stories are a major surprise and I think someone is dreaming up stories. Jan Koller is a top striker and, in all respect, I don't think he would be keen on a move.

"He has one year left on his contract and he is staying at Dortmund as he wants to play in the World Cup for the Czech Republic in Germany. After that he is a free agent, then he could leave Dortmund."

Paska's insistence came when the Dortmund star, who was tracked by Peter Reid during his days at the Stadium of Light, is believed to have told his German employers that he is ready for a crack at the English league.

West Bromwich Albion, managed by Reid's close friend Bryan Robson, are also courting Koller. And a statement on the official Dortmund website said: "Koller has been the subject of interest from Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, who have both made contact with Borussia Dortmund.

"A deal is possible and it is believed that Koller would prefer the move to Sunderland because he would be more likely to get regular appearances."

Following top-scorer Marcus Stewart's departure, with Bristol City his most likely destination, and the release of Michael Bridges, McCarthy's need for a new forward has become more apparent.

The boss is looking to add a couple of fresh faces into his attack and Koller, along with a more speedy player, would provide the option which Sunderland have lacked on a regular basis since being without Kevin Kyle since August.

Brian Deane offered a similar style for the final two months of the campaign but was rarely used and is contemplating retirement at the age of 37.

But Koller, who has scored 54 goals in four years at Dortmund, has proven himself at international level with 28 goals in 58 games.

If he were to arrive he could be lining up alongside Matt Piper, after the winger insisted he is ready to finally become a hit at Sunderland.

Piper has suffered one injury after another since making a £3.5m switch from Leicester in August 2002, making just 13 starts in nearly three years.

But, having tasted life in the big league before with Sunderland and the Foxes, the 23-year-old is even more excited about recapturing full fitness before the start of the new season in August.

"Everyone knows that I wasn't involved much during the season but at least I got to play a part in the celebrations.

"It has given me a real taste of what this club is about and has made me even more determined to get back playing again," said Piper.

"I have played in the Premiership before and I have done well in the Premiership.

"I have missed an awful lot of football but I am desperate to get back to the Premiership and show people what I can do again. I know people have doubts about me, given my record, and I want to prove to them that I can do it."

Piper revealed there will be no taking things easy during the close-season. "There will be a mix of rest and hard work. I need to do that hard work so that I can get my fitness up before the start of pre-season," he said.

* Preston are marching towards Cardiff to face West Ham in the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final after Derby striker Grzegorz Rasiak blew Derby's hopes by missing a late penalty.

North End protected their healthy first-leg advantage with a gritty defensive display to secure an aggregate 2-0 victory and set up a rerun of the 1964 FA Cup Final with the Hammers at the Millennium Stadium on May 30.

They were also given a helping hand from Rasiak's costly missed spot-kick, but their own defensive prowess was the key factor.

The Pole stepped up from the spot but could only fire against the Carlo Nash's right-hand post.

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