Wallace wants to stay with Sunderland

5:05am Friday 4th July 2008

SUNDERLAND winger Ross Wallace has reiterated his desire to stay and fight for his place at the Stadium of Light after rejecting a move to Preston North End.

Despite a bid being accepted by the Black Cats board, the 23-year-old has told manager Roy Keane that he would prefer to remain on Wearside and prove his worth.

Wallace was placed on the transfer list in January, and worse was to follow for the Scotsman when he sustained a serious knee injury shortly after.

But now fully fit, Wallace will be desperate to impress in pre-season after turning down a move to the Championship.

''I can confirm we made an offer for Ross Wallace which was accepted," said Preston chairman Derek Shaw.

''However, we have received word back that Ross wants to fight for his place in the Sunderland side in the hope of maintaining his status as a Premier League footballer, which we can fully understand.

''We will continue to back manager Alan Irvine throughout the summer as he continues to identify the right players to take Preston North End forward.''

Meanwhile, Sunderland goalkeeper Martin Fulop remains confident he will still sign for Stoke City - despite the Premier League newcomers having an initial £1.7m bid turned down.

However, City boss Tony Pullis is expected to return with an improved offer for the 25-year-old Hungarian.

"Stoke City want to sign me. The talks are going very well," said Fulop. "If everything goes well then my future will be decided in the next two weeks. I want to leave Sunderland in order to have first-team football.

"What do I know about my price? As I know the amount that was written in the media is correct (£1.7m).

"We still haven't talked about my Stoke contract as first the two clubs should agree on me. But I'm very optimistic."

Sunderland launch their new away kit next Tuesday at the Stadium of Light.

The club store will open at 6pm. Supporters are invited to a family fun event to mark the occasion at 4.30pm. There will be a barbecue and beer tent, face painting, penalty shoot-outs and SAFC Foundation staff will be on hand offering skills demos and competitions.

Details of the new away kit are available on a special mini-site within the club's official website www.safc.com/buyblue

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