Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc is happy to allow Marouane Chamakh to leave for a top English side, but caused offence when he said the Moroccan would not be allowed to join Sunderland as he 'deserved better'. Black Cats boss Steve Bruce accused Blanc of being 'disrespectful', and Blanc has now apologised and said his comments were misunderstood.

"I certainly did not communicate my thoughts well at all," he said.

"My remarks were misunderstood by the people of Sunderland.

"When I say he deserves better, it is in sporting terms - and only in terms of sport.

"I am not here to discuss the size of a club. All the clubs, I respect them."