Sunderland boss Gus Poyet admits holding onto Lee Cattermole has been the best piece of business he has performed in any transfer window.
The Black Cats managed to keep the combative 26-year old midfielder at the Stadium of Light in the summer despite heavy interest from Stoke City and Poyet insists it was a great decision to retain his services.
"In transfer windows, it's the best decision I have made, I've got no doubt about that. I'm sure, with all respect to Stoke and to Catts, he's happier here," the Uruguayan told the Sunderland Echo.
"His reaction to the decision was spectacular, because - and I'm not talking about Lee here - let's say we get an offer from a top-six team for a player and the offer is good, but it is possible for you to say, 'No'.
"Then you don't know what the reaction of the player will be after he has lost the chance to join a certain team.
"With everything that happened with Catts before we got here and the momentum of the team at that time in January, it was difficult, and with Liam (Bridcutt) coming in (from Brighton), he might have wondered how he fitted into the plan. That's only natural.
"But I spoke to the owner and he said if I did not want to sell, then I didn't have to. I made the decision and it has worked out well for everybody, I think."
