DIDIER NDONG may have played his last game for Sunderland after his appeal to have his red card overturned was unsuccessful.

The Gabon international, who has asked to leave the Stadium of Light this month, was dismissed early in the second half of Saturday’s defeat at Cardiff for a reckless challenge on Junior Hoilett.

A straight red card was issued and Sunderland lodged an appeal to have the punishment reduced, knowing that it carries a three-match ban.

However, the FA’s disciplinary panel have upheld referee Andy Madley’s decision and now he will be suspended for the games with Hull, Birmingham and Ipswich up to February 3.

By the time he is available again the transfer window will have closed and Watford are known to be trying to strike a deal with the Black Cats.

Chris Coleman, the Sunderland manager, has insisted that the club’s record buy will not be allowed to leave on loan this month unless there was a cast-iron guarantee that it would be a permanent arrangement in the summer.

So far Watford have only offered a loan deal where an £8m deal will be triggered depending on the number of appearances he makes before the end of the season.