Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill hopes to keep hold of Stephane Sessegnon.

The Benin dazzler has been linked with Arsenal and PSG.

O'Neill said: "I didn't know he had said anything publicly, I must admit. I didn't know he had spoken, the oracle, and I am delighted he has done.

"He won the player of the year at the meeting of the supporters' club, and I think he was genuinely pleased with that.

"The trophy that he picked up is about four inches bigger than he is. He seemed in decent form.

"Obviously, we have to try to keep the best players. The only way for us to progress is to keep our best players, and Sessegnon definitely comes into that category."