MATT Kilgallon will stay to fight for his place at Sunderland despite interest from Championship side Leeds United.

Leeds boss Neil Warnock had been hoping to make a bid for Kilgallon this summer, having previously worked with the centre-half during his time at Sheffield United.

However, sources close to Kilgallon have underlined the defender's determination to remain on Wearside this summer even though he is about to enter the final year of his current deal.

Kilgallon started seven of the final eight games of last season under Martin O'Neill, and is set to be a key part of the Northern Irishman's plans for next term.

Meanwhile, Turkish side Galatasaray have emerged as potential suitors for Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan.

Gyan spent the whole of last season on loan at Al-Ain, but the UAE-based outfit are still to make a formal offer to sign him permanently.