Sunderland have moved swiftly to dismiss reports claiming that Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan is being put up for sale.

Reports had indicated that the Black Cats had circulated the Ghana international's availability through an agent to potential suitors on Tuesday.

But Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn says, Gyan, who joined for a club record fee of £13 million in August 2010 remains central to their plans.

"The suggestion that we have spoken to an agent to sell this player on our behalf is embarrassing to all concerned," Quinn told the club's official website.

"I hope our fans would be smart enough to realise that this is probably some other club or outside agent's way of attempting to destabilise our relationship with one of our players."