Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes has dismissed claims he will leave this month.

"I'm not planning on going anywhere, unless the gaffer has a different outlook," Stokes told the Northern Echo. "I haven't heard anything to that effect, though, and I certainly don't plan to leave.

"I'm really happy here. I'm enjoying playing for Sunderland and I'm planning to see out my contract.

"I'll be the first to admit that I've been inconsistent since I came here. The fans haven't seen the best of me yet, and there's still a lot more to come. I've had to be patient and I've had to work hard. But I've done that and I'm hoping people will start to see the real me now."