SETTLED SESS UP FOR CATS FIGHT
STEPHANE SESSEGNON has begged to be spared Paolo Di Canio’s chopper.
Sunderland’s Benin forward has been linked with a move as part of the hardline Italian’s massive summer shake-up at the Stadium of Light.
Busy Di Canio has brought in nine new signings – with half a dozen departures to make room for the radical squad overhaul by the Black Cats boss.
Ex-Paris St Germain star Sessegnon looked to be heading back to France, where he is wanted by a number of clubs.
But the 29-year-old – snapped up by former boss Steve Bruce for £5million in 2011 – insists he wants to stay and prove himself.
He added: “I have no problem over my future. It may have affected me in the past, but I’m happy at Sunderland. I enjoy it here and my mind’s focused.
Turbulent
“Things have gone well in pre-season and, hopefully, we can continue like this because you need to put in the hard work now to ensure you start the season well.”
Sunderland’s £8m striker Steven Fletcher is set to miss the first three weeks of the Premier League campaign as the Scotland international steps up his comeback following ankle surgery.
Greece international winger Charis Mavrias is set to become the Black Cats’ 10th summer signing.
And that’s likely to spell the end of James McClean’s turbulent spell at the club, with Celtic closing in on the £2m-rated Ireland star.
Versatile Mavrias, 19, is set to arrive on Wearside in the next 24 hours to complete a medical and finalise personal terms.