We’re not paying wantaway Djilobodji’s salary – Donald
Stewart Donald has confirmed Sunderland are not paying the wages of wantaway defender Papy Djilobodji after he failed to report to training.
The Senegalese centre back, who joined the Black Cats from Chelsea in 2016, has made no secret of his desire to leave the club.
Having spent last season on loan at French side Dijon, Djilobodji is now keen to secure a permanent switch away from Wearside.
Numerous clubs have been linked with a swoop for the 29-year-old but, as of yet, nothing has come to fruition.
Djilobodji was recently linked with a switch to Turkish side Trabzonspor, but a member of their management team quickly moved to deny the speculation.
Desperate to leave, the defender - along with teammate Didier Ndong, who is also keen to move – failed to report for pre-season training at the Academy of Light.
And Donald has now moved to update fans on the latest developments with the centre back.
Donald has operated with a no-nonsense attitude in the transfer market thus far and has now confirmed that Sunderland are NOT paying the defender’s wages.
He also revealed that Djilobodji has formally requested not to return to the club as he tries to find a move away.
Speaking on his personal Twitter account, Donald said: “he has requested not to come back – no we are not paying his wages.”
Meanwhile, promising forward Luke Molyneux has agreed terms on a new deal at Sunderland – and he has eyes on a first team spot.
The 20-year-old described it as an “easy decision” to commit his future to the club, Molyneux signing a new contract until the end of this season.
Jack Ross has been keen to give youth a chance this season and Molyneux, comfortable out wide or in a forward role, is keen to make an impression.
Molyneux said: “I’m very happy to sign a new contract with the club, and hopefully I can show what I can do this season and step up to the first team.
“It was an easy decision to make because I want to be at this club.”