Connor Wickham has pleaded with Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio to stick with him.
The striker is a loan target for several Championship clubs.
But he told The Journal: "I want to stay here. I have been here for two years and I haven't done anything.
"I haven't really stamped my authority on the team so hopefully this season it will happen for me.
"I am working hard, I'm resting up and I'm relaxing and doing things the right way.
"I have had a really tough pre-season but I'm approaching it in the right way and I just want to get my head down and get on with things. Hopefully, I will get my chance when the season comes around."
