Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that they have rejected a transfer request from midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
It was recently reported that the 24-year-old had asked the Championship club for a move, with Sunderland said to be among a number of teams monitoring his progress.
"Further to reports in today's media, Brighton & Hove Albion can confirm that a transfer request from Liam Bridcutt was received yesterday afternoon and subsequently has been rejected by the club," read an official statement from the Seagulls.
"At this stage the club does not wish to make any further comment on this matter."
Bridcutt joined Brighton from Chelsea in 2010.