Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has rapped reports linking Asamoah Gyan with a move away.
The Black Cats reacted swiftly to claims that the 25-year-old Ghana international's name has been circulated to prospective purchasers.
In a statement, Quinn said: "The suggestion that we have spoken to an agent to sell this player on our behalf is embarrassing to all concerned.
"I hope our fans would be smart enough to realise that this is probably some other club or outside agent's way of attempting to destabilise our relationship with one of our players."
