The 26-year-old told Setanta: "It's all paper talk flying about. I am happy at Sunderland. I don't know if other clubs have made enquiries but, like I said, I am happy here.

"I have spoken to the manager and he wants me to stay, he wants me around. I am staying put unless they (Sunderland) want me out.

"The manager is a great guy here and he knows his stuff. It's onwards and upwards. It's always good to see top players coming in.

"The objective for us is to improve on last year even if that means improving by one position in the league. As long as there is an improvement on last season we will all be happy."