Lyon defender Mensah eager to sign outright with Sunderland

On-loan Lyon defender John Mensah is keen to sign permanently with Sunderland.

The Ghana captain was again outstanding in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Mensah said: "I would like to stay here. I am happy and glad. My colleagues make me happy.

"I have worked very hard with the physios here and I believe I am back now, fit and ready. It has been hard, getting as fit as I can for games without doing much training with the ball. Back in France I used to have a lot of injuries but the physios are working hard on keeping me fit and everyone, the players and management, are all keeping me very happy, which is the main thing.

"I am enjoying it at Sunderland. My dad and my brother were here for the City game and that is the first time my family have come here to watch a game. I am very happy and I tried to show my mum and dad how well their son is playing. Unfortunately we lost the lead and I am not too happy about that but in the next game we will deliver."