Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has insisted that he does not intend to sell Stephane Sessegnon.
Di Canio also said that he would expect the Black Cats board to provide him with an experienced replacement should the forward be allowed to leave this summer.
"I have to be clear: I don't want to sell Sessegnon," Di Canio told reporters. "It's not something that we have to speak about privately with the board. I don't want to sell Sessegnon.
"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."
Di Canio was responding to reports that Sessegnon is poised to join Qatari side El-Jaish.
Sessegnon, who arrived at the Stadium of Light in a £6m deal from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2011, has two years remaining on his current contract.
Robert Summerscales
