Sunderland axe Cisse

France striker Djibril Cisse will not be joining Sunderland on a permanent basis, the Premier League club confirmed on Monday.

Cisse, 27, spent the season on loan at the Stadium of Light from Marseille and scored 11 goals in 38 appearances for the Black Cats.

Sunderland had negotiated the terms of a permanent transfer, believed to be worth around 10 million pounds, when they orginally took Cisse on loan.

But chairman Niall Quinn revealed they would not be taking up that option.

He told the club’s official website: “We wish Djibril well and thank him for his contribution to the club this season.”

Although Cisse helped Sunderland retain their Premier League status, he scored only once in his last 12 matches and was an unused substitute for Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Chelsea.