Former Sunderland starlet Brian Atkinson is urging his old club not to sell Stephane Sessegnon.

Manchester City have joined Arsenal interest in the Benin dazzler.

But Darlington assistant manager Atkinson told the Evening Chronicle: "Sessegnon has been a massive plus.

"The games I have seen this year, I have been really impressed with him. Whether or not he was unhappy before, he looked a different player towards the end of the season.

"He is the sort of player you hope Sunderland can keep a hold of.

"He can change games and has done. He is a quality player."