Yann M'Vila to Sunderland deal off after change of heart

07 December 2016 08:23

Sunderland have announced they will no longer be signing Yann M'Vila from Rubin Kazan in January.

The midfielder spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light and had hoped to make the move permanent.

He said he was "heartbroken" when a deal fell through, much to the frustration of Black Cats fans, who had seen him play a key part in their Premier League survival.

Sunderland instead committed to signing M'Vila when his contract at Rubin ran out in January but it appears the player has had a change of heart.

Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain said on the club website: "I was contacted this week by Yann M'Vila's representatives, who advised that the player no longer wishes to join Sunderland.

"There was a three-and-a-half-year agreement in place. However, after discussions with the manager we have decided not to enforce the contract. Any player that we bring to Sunderland Football Club must be wholly committed.

"Yann M'Vila will therefore not be joining us in January and we wish him well for the future."

Source: PA