Sunderland owner Stewart Donald reveals the latest on want-away defender

Stewart Donald has offered an update on the future of Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji.
Stewart Donald has provided an update on Papy DjilobodjiStewart Donald has provided an update on Papy Djilobodji
Stewart Donald has provided an update on Papy Djilobodji

The Senegalese centre back, who joined the Black Cats from Chelsea in 2016, has made no secret of his desire to leave the club this summer.

Having spent last season on loan at French side Dijon, Djilobodji is now keen to secure a permanent switch away from Wearside.

Papy Djilobodji is keen to leave SunderlandPapy Djilobodji is keen to leave Sunderland
Papy Djilobodji is keen to leave Sunderland
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Numerous clubs have been linked with a swoop for the 29-year-old but, as of yet, nothing has come to fruition.

Djilobodji was recently linked with a switch to Turkish side Trabzonspor, but a member of their management team quickly moved to deny the speculation.

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Desperate to leave, the defender - along with teammate Didier Ndong, who is also keen to move - failed to report for pre-season training at the Academy of Light.

And owner Stewart Donald has now moved to update fans on the latest developments with the centre back.

Donald has operated with a no-nonsense attitude in the transfer market thus far and has now confirmed that Sunderland are NOT paying the defender's wages.

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He also revealed that Djilobodji has formally requested not to return to the club as he tries to find a move away.

Speaking on his personal Twitter account, Donald said: "he has requested not to come back - no we are not paying his wages."