Chris Coleman has remained tight-lipped on speculation linking Bournemouth's Jermain Defoe with a return to Sunderland.
The 35-year-old was one of the Black Cats' few shining lights last season, scoring 15 goals despite the club suffering relegation from the Premier League.
Defoe subsequently moved to the Vitality Stadium in the summer, having played for the Cherries on loan earlier in his career.
However, the England striker has scored just once in 13 appearances in all competitions this season, which has led to rumours of a potential return to the Stadium of Light.
Coleman refused to discuss the speculation, however, telling the Sunderland Echo: "Jermain belongs to Eddie Howe at Bournemouth and I wouldn't comment on somebody else's player. I don't think it's fair and I wouldn't want somebody commenting on our player."
Sunderland currently sit second from bottom in the Championship, having won just twice in the league all season.
Giuseppe Labellarte
