Attacker will not be leaving the Stadium of Light this summer.
Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has denied reports that midfielder Stephane Sessegnon is for sale after fresh reports linked him with a move to the Middle East reports the Chronicle.
Speculation indicated that Benin international could make a switch to Qatar with Al-Jasih understand to be monitoring the Black Cats man who made 39 appearances for the side last season.
But the Italian boss told reporters after his side’s opening day 1-0 home defeat to Fulham that he does not want the 29-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain player to leave before the transfer window shuts.
“I have to be clear: I don’t want to sell Sessegnon,” said Di Canio.
“It’s not something that we have to speak about privately with the board.
“I don’t want to sell Sessegnon.”
Di Canio understands that every player has their price and if the forward wants to leave the situation could change.
However for now Sessegnon, who only penned an extension at the Stadium of Light last summer, has given no signals that he would like to move to the Middle East but Di Canio would try to replace him if any transfer occurs.
He added: “I have given my opinion already: Sessegnon is not for sale and we need to bring in one central midfield player.
“But if he is sold, we have to bring in a central midfield player and another striker.
“If someone wants to sell Sessegnon, I won’t criticise if they bring me a striker with quality and experience, and a central midfield player – but not as cover, one with a background, good quality, physical presence and experience.”