Sunderland boss Steve Bruce insists Anton Ferdinand is a required player.
The defender has been linked with a return to West Ham United.
Bruce admits Ferdinand is not happy at Sunderland, but insists he has a future at the club.
He said: "He's not happy, that's for sure. He wants to be involved with the team. But that is the biggest part of any manager's job - to keep the other 10 who are not playing happy. But he has responded well. Anton has got a future here."
