Martin O’Neill has received his first knockback as Sunderland manager after it was confirmed that Asamoah Gyan will see out his loan deal at Al Ain for the remainder of the season, as reported in the Daily Mirror.

The new Sunderland boss had enquired about the possibility of the Ghanaian striker returning to the North East in January to bolster his attacking options but the United Arab Emirates’ clubs’ manager Cosmin Olaroiu immediately dismissed it.

The Stadium of Light club received a record £6million for the loan deal and Gyan is currently earning £200,000 a week compared to his reported £30k in the North East. Both the player and the club seem happy with the deal but Gyan is happy to return to Sunderland next season.

"For now, I can't really say anything about Sunderland," said Gyan. "I am on loan for a year so we will have to see what happens at the end of the season. I am doing well. So let's see where my future lies after my loan deal."

Romanian Olaroiu added: "I think he feels good here, I think we supported him to come back into shape and he will remain here."

O’Neill will now have to look elsewhere for a striker in January, which he feels is a necessity if the club is to climb the Premier League table.

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