Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has hit back at rumours he could be on his way out of the Stadium of Light.
Speculation has mounted that Phillips is ready to quit the Premiership strugglers, possibly even for north-east rivals Newcastle.
Sunderland's freefall towards the drop zone has heaped pressure on boss Peter Reid and raised suggestions that the manager could be ready to sell his star man to bankroll an improvement in his squad.
But Phillips's agent Phil Smith said: "We can only reiterate that there have been no discussions of any kind with regards to Kevin Phillips and the story regarding a possible transfer to Newcastle United.
"Kevin wishes to reassure all Sunderland fans that his only efforts at this time are entirely focused on helping Sunderland attain the best possible league position this season".