West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has revealed Sunderland have made an approach for Matthew Upson.
The England international appeared destined to be on his way earlier this summer, but a lack of interest has ensured that he remains part of Avram Grant's plans.
"He's not indicated to us what he wants to do," said Sullivan.
"He said he would after the World Cup. I think he probably thought a big club would come in for him but we've not had that.
"Sunderland inquired but he didn't think he wanted to go there. I hope this season he does prove he is worthy of playing in the Champions League. We have no choice if he wants to go into the last year of his contract.
"We've bought some good, new, young centre-halves and I'm interested to see how Upson performs.
"If he does well we will bid against other clubs for his services, if not we will let him go next summer. We've got Winston Reid and James Tomkins and plenty of centre-halves so let's see what he does. He is a great player."
