Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Sbragia aiming to keep Cisse

01 Feb 2009 - 10:45:32

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Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia remains upbeat about the prospects of signing loan striker Djibril Cisse on a permanent basis next summer.

The 27-year-old France international is currently on a season-long loan from Marseille and has scored nine times in 25 appearances for the Black Cats.

Sbragia told the Sunday Mirror: "It's up to us to keep him. He has done exceptionally well for us.

"Until we get to the situation where we are safe it is difficult to do anything. But there is no recall clause and he will be our player until May 31.

"If we're safe with six games to go he can speak with (chairman) Niall Quinn about what we'll do for him. If he scores 15 or 20 goals why look for someone else?

"I know Nicolas Anelka went to Bolton and did well, but I always thought he was set on climbing the ladder.

"Djibril could be the same, but I hope we can persuade him to stay."