Connor Wickham admits holding talks with Sunderland boss Gus Poyet about his future.
The striker has hinted he won't be moving out on-loan in the coming weeks.
"I've spoken to the manager and he's just said I'm in his plans and told me what I need to do," said Wickham.
"I've gone in and asked what I need to do to get into the team because I don't want to just be sitting on the bench.
"I've just come back from a loan spell so I'm sharp and ready. I can't wait to get on to the pitch and prove my worth here."
