Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Sunderland have rejected offers from abroad for Ji Dong-won.
Black Cats keen to keep striker
Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Sunderland have rejected offers from abroad for Ji Dong-won.
The South Korean, who signed from Chunnam Dragons last summer, has only been used sparingly this term and his future had been uncertain since O'Neill's appointment in December.
However, the former Celtic and Aston Villa manager revealed that the 20 year-old is an important part of the squad after turning down offers for the player.
"We've had a few phone calls from clubs abroad that would like to take Ji on loan, but we've knocked them back," O'Neill told the
Sunderland Echo.
"The fact is, we can't afford to lose any of our squad at the moment, but besides that, Ji is a player who has done well for us.
"The lad has talent, but he's just come over here and is still learning the game. We want to see how he progresses and develops.
"Apart from that, he's just scored one of the most important goals that I can remember - that amazing last-minute winner against Man City and making himself an instant hero in the eyes of the fans - and myself - in the process."
