SUNDERLAND officials insist there has been no change in Asamoah Gyan's situation despite Middle-Eastern media reports claiming the striker has signed a permanent deal with Al-Ain.

Gyan joined UAE side Al-Ain on loan last September, and his temporary employers are keen on signing him on a full-time basis this summer.

The striker has also expressed a willingness to remain in the Middle East rather than return to Wearside, where he had grown increasingly unhappy prior to his departure ten months ago.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has looked into the possibility of retaining Gyan, but has concluded that it would be in everyone's interest for the Ghana international to sever his links permanently.

Al-Ain boss Cosmin Olariou hinted that at a deal had already been agreed when he said: "From what I know, Asamoah will continue with Al-Ain next season."

However, Sunderland officials have played down suggestions that the club's record signing has already departed.

Talks are ongoing, but a fee is still to be agreed between the two clubs and the Black Cats are adamant they will not be backed into a position where they have to let Gyan leave on the cheap.

The 26-year-old still has two years of his current contract to run, and while Sunderland have not had to pay all of his £13m fee because of his limited appearances in a red-and-white shirt, they will be looking to recoup the vast majority of their outlay.

Meanwhile, yesterday's kit deal with Adidas is the most lucrative in Sunderland's history.

The Black Cats have severed their ties with Umbro, who were the club's kit suppliers for five years, and have linked up with Adidas for the first time in their history.

A new home kit will be revealed on July 18, with a new away kit unveiled a week later on June 25.

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "We are delighted to welcome Adidas as an official partner of Sunderland AFC.

"Our aim is to increase Sunderland's international profile and, as one of the world leaders in their field, we are very much looking forward to working with the dynamic team at Adidas.

"New home and away kits will be unveiled in the coming weeks and launched later in the summer and I'm confident that our supporters will be as impressed as we are with everything that Adidas has to offer."

* Sunderland will face neighbours Hartlepool United in a pre-season friendly at Victoria Park on Friday, July 27 (ko 7.30pm).

Tickets will be priced at £10 for adults and £5 for over-60s and under-16s.