Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
Striker pens four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
The Trinidad and Tobago star has been strongly linked with a move to Tottenham in the winter transfer window, with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp making no secret of his interest.
However, Jones - who joined the club from Southampton in 2007 - has opted to stay in the North East and is now tied to the Black Cats until the summer of 2013.
The news will come as a major blow to Redknapp, who has been involved in a war of words with Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia regarding the forward, as he bids to boost his attacking options.
But the decision comes as good news to Sbragia, who told Sunderland's
official website: "I'm absolutely delighted that Kenwyne has committed to the club for the long term.
Future
"He's young with a great future ahead of him and has already proven himself to be a key player for us.
"The fact that we've had interest from top clubs shows how much of an asset he is and it's fantastic that he will be a Sunderland player for many years to come."
Chairman Niall Quinn added: "We are building a team for the long term and Kenwyne is a big part of that. In signing this new deal he's shown that he wants to be part of our future and believes in what Ricky and the club are doing.
"In the current economic climate the figures banded around for Kenwyne have been staggering, but we have shown our intent to build a bigger and better club for the future by retaining our best players."
The 24-year-old has scored seven goals in all competitions for Sunderland this season after returning from a serious knee injury in October.
