Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has hit out at Stoke City ahead of Wednesday night's clash between the two sides.
Reports have emerged this week that the Potters are going after midfielder Lee Cattermole and striker Steven Fletcher which Poyet feels has been made up to unsettle his team ahead of the Stadium of Light meeting.
"I am pleased that in the local newspaper, we didn't throw any rumours about us being interested in any Stoke player, because that's what they have done for the last week," Poyet said.
"No-one from Stoke, directors or anyone from them, has made any formal approach or any offer, so for them to be linked with two very important players for us before the game is a little bit disappointing."
Poyet also denied claims that Stoke boss Mark Hughes made contact with him regarding Cattermole.
"He didn't call me. Some people would say the manager normally would call to say when they want a player of the other team," he added.
"But he didn't call me, of that I can assure you."
