Sunderland AFC transfer news: Ex-Aberdeen man discusses Cats link; Premier League goalkeeper linked with Stadium of Light switch

The 24-year-old has since scored 24 goals as his side reached second-tier play-offs and has made two appearances for Scotland, scoring on his home debut against San Marino.

"I think they maybe watched me a few times but it was more people putting two and two together because I had worked with Jack Ross before," Shankland told What the Falk! podcast.

"As soon as there was rumours it made people think there was something in that and it was made more than what it was.

"There wasn't an official offer made or anything for me to turn down. It didn't go that far.”

"If they were interested I didn't really hear about it."

Elsewhere, Sunderland continue to been linked with a move for Aston Villa stopper Matija Sarkic.

Current number one Jon McLaughlin will see his present deal expire this summer.

And that could leave the door open for Sarkic to make the switch from Villa Park to the Stadium of Light.

The 22-year-old has said that he is looking to leave Aston Villa this summer when his contract expires.

“I think that there will be little space for a real chance in Aston Villa in the future so I plan to go, despite the club’s desire to extend my contract, which expires at the end of June,” Sarkic said in a recent interview with Montenegrin outlet Vijesti.