German defender Heiko Westermann has told Sunderland to forget about signing him.
The Schalke star, who missed out on a place in his national side’s World Cup squad after suffering a broken foot in a warm-up game against Hungary, was a major target for the Black Cat.
Indeed, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn flew to Germany last week to try and complete a deal for him.
But the 26-year-old says he is determined to stay put at Schalke and has no interest in joining the English club.
Westermann told Germany's Kicker magazine: "I don't care whether Sunderland or any other club comes in for me - I want to stay with Schalke.
"A transfer is not even a consideration for me.
"At the end of the day, we are playing in the Champions League next season and have high expectations."