Lamine Kone "didn't know anything" about a statement this week that asked Sunderland to let him leave the club, manager David Moyes says.
Kone impressed for Sunderland in their season-opening defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, two days after a statement with his name on it said contract talks to stay at the Stadium of Light had fallen through.
But Moyes said when he asked the 27-year-old about it, Kone was not aware of any statement.
And despite a confirmed £18 million bid from Everton, Moyes believes Kone will remain with Sunderland.