Sunderland determined to stand firm on Josh Maja despite reports of cut-price January sale

Reports in the national media have said that the Black Cats are looking for £1.5million from a sale in the January window.

Stewart Donald and Jack Ross have both said recently that they remain hopeful a new deal can be agreed.

Donald has also since taken to Twitter to rubbish the national reports, he tweeted: "We are very hopeful he will stay. He has said he wants to and we r finishing off negotiations. We got more than that for Joel so why on earth would we sell Josh for less it’s absolute rubbish !!"

The Black Cats are conscious that Maja could agree a pre-contract deal with a foreign club from January 1st, a move that would see little return in the way of compensation.

Maja could of course join another British club on a free in the summer. Sunderland would be entitled to some compensation.

There has been significant interest in Maja from the Championship, with a host of clubs lining up a potential move.

But Sunderland are eager not to lose their top scorer and one of the league's best finishers ahead of a critical five months for the club.

It would likely take at least double the quoted price for an offer to be considered.

Promotion to the Championship would be a significant financial boost to the club and Maja's goals could be vital to that.

The 19-year-old is currently struggling with illness and is a doubt for the visit of Bradford City on Boxing Day.

He has himself said that he would like to help take the club back to the Premier League.