Sunderland have dismissed suggestions striker Asamoah Gyan has agreed a permanent move to UAE side Al-Ain.

Middle-Eastern media reports have claimed the Ghana international has penned a permanent deal at the club he joined in a shock loan move just over 12 months ago.

Gyan went to Al-Ain on loan last September after a fall-out with former boss Steve Bruce, and his temporary employers are thought to be keen on signing him on a full-time basis this summer.

However, reports a deal has been agreed are a tad premature. Al-Ain boss Cosmin Olariou hinted recently a permanent move had already been agreed when he said: "From what I know, Asamoah will continue with Al-Ain next season." However, Sunderland officials have insisted talks remain ongoing and the club's record signing has not yet left for good.

The 26-year-old still has two years of his current contract at the Stadium of Light to go and the Black Cats will want a sizeable chunk of the £13million they spent on the forward recovered if, and when, they do a deal.