Sunderland are sending Djibril Cisse back to parent club Olympique Marseille.

The 27-year-old Frenchman spent the season on loan at the Stadium of Light from Marseille, and the Black Cats negotiated the terms of a prospective transfer then.

However, chairman Niall Quinn today revealed that they would not be taking up that option.

He told the club's official website: "We wish Djibril well and thank him for his contribution to the club this season."