Lee Cattermole has revealed that he does not expect to leave Sunderland before Friday's transfer deadline.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to Stoke City, who take on the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.
However, Cattermole has claimed that he will still be a Sunderland player for that match and does not anticipate a departure any time soon.
"I will be a Sunderland player on Wednesday. I've heard no different and the manager has come out and said he has heard no different," he told the Sunderland Echo.
"I am contracted to Sunderland. They make the decisions, not me. I'm contracted here for the rest of the season and another two years. It's out of my hands.
"Until I know any different, I will keep working. I have a cup final to play in, if I'm here, and that would be brilliant."
The 25-year-old joined Sunderland from Wigan Athletic in 2009.
Liam Apicella
