Jan Kirchhoff eager to extend Sunderland stay

Sunderland midfielder Jan Kirchhoff has handed the Black Cats a major boost by confirming that he wants to extend his stay at the club.

The German has one year left on his existing deal at the Stadium of Light after signing an 18-month contract when he arrived from Bayern Munich for £750,000 in January.

Kirchhoff told the Sunderland Echo: "I can imagine staying here at Sunderland, I feel good here and I would like to stay.

"There are always two sides – the club would like me to stay and I feel good here. It's a good situation for both of us, and I am sure we will find a solution."

The 25-year-old completed his first 90 minutes of pre-season in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Dijon in France after missing the opening three friendlies with a calf injury.