Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has been told he can't recall Asamoah Gyan from Al Ain.

The Black Cats' new boss said on his first day in the job that he would review Gyan's loan switch to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

He has now learned that the Ghanaian World Cup star will see out the season in the Gulf, as Sunderland have no powers of recall under the terms of the loan agreement, says the Mirror.

The only way Gyan can come back is if Al Ain decide they no longer want him, but their manager, Cosmin Olaroiu, has insisted they are delighted with the deal.

Gyan, who has netted six goals in six league games for Al Ain, is also happy to see out his year before eyeing his next move.

He will continue to earn around £200,000 a week while on loan, having been on 'just' 30k per week at the Stadium of Light.

Romanian Olaroiu said: "I think he feels good here, I think we supported him to come back into shape and he will remain here."