Whitehead tells Keane: I don't want to leave Sunderland and miss the fun
Dean Whitehead has told his manager Roy Keane that he does not want to leave Sunderland this summer.
Whitehead, Sunderland’s captain for the last two seasons, has been widely linked with a move to Stoke, but he said: “It's exciting times for the club and I want to be a part of it.
"I've been here four years now, I've seen a few ups and downs, but securing top-flight status was a huge thing for us last season and I can't wait to tackle it again this year.
Whitehead: "I can't wait to tackle Premier League with Sunderland again"
“The gaffer is planning to bring in some new players and that will only benefit the club and me as a player.
"It will create more competition for places and will improve the overall quality of the squad when we sometimes lacked it last season, so it should enable the club to move on to the next level.
“I certainly want to be a part of that and I'm looking forward to the challenge of staying in the team.”
Whitehead, 26, was signed by Mick McCarthy from Oxford four years ago for a fee that rose to £325,000. Stoke are keen on the midfielder and are preparing a £3 million offer.