McCarthy fails to quash Stewart leaving rumours

Mick McCarthy has failed to quash rumours once and for all that striker Marcus Stewart may be leaving Sunderland.

Interviewed by the PFA's website after last night's victory over Barnsley, and asked outright if Stewart will be leaving, McCarthy acknowledged the rumours but pointedly stopped short of a full denial. He said, "There has been speculation but it has not affected my relationship with him. He has responded very well and just got on with it. He scored against Barnsley and looked very fit."

Stewart was linked with Bristol City earlier in the close season but the player's wages were said to be a sticking point.

McCarthy said he was pleased with last night's result and is "delighted" with the close-season progress so far, but said he won't rule out further signings. "I am still on the look-out for players," he said. "Whether we can get them is another matter but I am looking to bring in one or two players."