Connor Wickham has insisted that he never considered leaving Sunderland, despite speculation over his future during the summer transfer window.

There were suggestions that the 21-year-old would leave the Stadium of Light as a free agent at the end of the season, but rubbished the rumours by signing a new four-year deal last month.

"The speculation never bothered me as much as what was made of it," the Chronicle quotes Wickham as saying. "People do not see what goes on behind closed doors and it was never in doubt.

"I took criticism for how long it took but that was the process. At least it is settled now and everyone knows what is happening. I have signed the contract and that is the end of that."

Wickham signed for the Black Cats from Ipswich Town in 2011.