M'Vila turns down Sunderland return

Rubin Kazan midfielder Yann M'Vila has snubbed a return to Sunderland despite having earlier agreed on a permanent contract. The France international spent the previous campaign on loan with the Black Cats.

M'Vila, 26, was one among the standout players for the Black Cats last term as they managed to beat the Premier League drop under former boss Sam Allardyce.

With the arrival of David Moyes in the summer, M'Vila was expected to be re-sign on a permanent basis before a disagreement in the transfer price pulled the plug on the deal.

Black Cats chief executive Martin Bain has now confirmed that the Frenchman has turned down a return to Wearside, and would rather prolong his future with the Russian outfit.

"I was contacted this week by Yann M'Vila's representatives, who advised that the player no longer wishes to join Sunderland, " he told reporters.

"There was a three-and-a-half-year agreement in place. However, after discussions with the manager we have decided not to enforce the contract."

M'Vila was disheartened at missing out on a move to Sunderland in the summer, and he is not prepared to prove his credentials to Moyes.