Stephane Sessegnon wants to stay at Sunderland

Stephane Sessegnon has assured his new manager Martin O'Neill that he wants to stay at the Stadium of Light.

Marseille have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old forward who joined Sunderland from Paris Saint-Germain in January.

"Even though results have been difficult, I still have something to prove at Sunderland," said the Benin international.

"There is a challenge here that I have to seize. I prefer not to start planning for the future.

"I know nothing about the rumours linking me with Marseille."

Sunderland travel to QPR on Wednesday following their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.