ALFRED N’DIAYE has informed Sunderland officials that he would like to remain in Spain, but the midfielder does not want to head into the Segunda Division with Real Betis.

N’Diaye spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis, but was unable to prevent his temporary employers slipping into the Spanish second tier as they finished bottom of La Liga.

The 24-year-old still has two years of his Sunderland contract to run, but having failed to establish himself in the Black Cats’ first team since leaving Bursaspor in January 2013, is keen to remain in Spain rather than return to the North-East next season.

N’Diaye’s representatives have informed Sunderland officials that they would like to engineer a move away from the Stadium of Light, but while Betis would be interested if a cut-price deal could be agreed, there appears to be no chance of the defensive midfielder returning to the Andalusian outfit.

Having watched N’Diaye make 15 La Liga appearances last season, there is a chance other Spanish clubs could be tempted to add him to their ranks.

Such a scenario would appeal to Gustavo Poyet as the Black Cats boss has shown no desire to reintegrate N’Diaye into the fold at the Stadium of Light.

Keiren Westwood became the latest player to have his departure from Sunderland confirmed yesterday, with the goalkeeper not having been offered a new contract.

Westwood made 24 senior appearances after joining Sunderland from Coventry City in the summer of 2011, but failed to win back his place from Vito Mannone after injuring his shoulder in last November’s 1-0 defeat at Hull City.

Carlos Cuellar, who has also been released, is interesting Crystal Palace, with the London club considering the offer of a short-term deal.

Meanwhile, a Sunderland XI will take on Conference side Grimsby Town in a pre-season friendly at Blundell Park on Tuesday, July 29 (7pm).