Crewe Alexander youngster Owen Dale has played down speculation linking him with a move away from Gresty Road this summer.
The Black Cats are among a number of League One and Championship clubs reportedly keen on making a move for the Alexs 22-year-old forward.
However, Dale has admitted he's happy to remain at Crewe despite the current speculation.
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Speaking to Crewe’s official website, he said: “It's a compliment especially when people are saying there is some quite big teams interested, but I'm a Crewe player and I'll continue to work hard and do the best I can for this team.
“I'm happy to be here and I am going to keep playing as hard as I can for this club.
“Until the gaffer comes to me and says we have accepted an offer it doesn't really matter.
"It’s just speculation and I am only focussed on getting as fit and sharp as I can be for the start of the season.”
Last month, Crewe manager David Artell revealed he was yet to receive any birds for any of his players, despite rumours at the time suggesting Wycombe Wanderers were interested in Dale.
Artell: “We have not had any bids for any of our players and I’ve told the likes of Owen (Dale) that.
“There have been no offers for any of our players. If that will be the case as we get closer to the start of the new season? I really don’t know.
“What I do know is that I am on the same page as the chairman and the board. They have all told me the same thing, we have our valuation and if it’s not met then it is not considered.
“We are in a much stronger position on that now and we are all singing from the same hymn sheet.”
