Alnwick stays with Black Cats

Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick has pledged his future to the club.

Alnwick has withdrawn the transfer request he handed in earlier this summer.

The highly-rated custodian was strongly linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light with Tottenham credited with an interest in his services.

Alnwick has been persuaded by the arrival of Niall Quinn as manager to stay at Sunderland.

"There's now a great feeling among the players, staff and the fans," Alnwick told the club's official website.

"This is the start of a new era at Sunderland, I want to be a part of that, which is why I'm committing my long-term future to the club."