Sunderland boss Steve Bruce acknowledges Manchester City are interested in Jordan Henderson.
But he is confident the midfielder wants to stay on Wearside.
"Jordan doesn't want to go anywhere," said Bruce. "He is Sunderland through and through.
"In the next couple of years it might happen, but who is 20 years of age and playing week in, week out in the Premier League? Is there anybody?
"Players can go too early and then sit on the bench somewhere else. What does Jordan want to do that for?
"We can't pay what City could, but he's level-headed enough not to worry about that or be concerned with his bank balance.
"I have told him he needs to stay here and develop.
"We have a special talent on our hands and the next 18 months are vital, so we have to protect him and make sure when he does move that he is ready. He can only get better."
