Sunderland Football Club rejected an offer for Grant Leadbitter in January.

Ricky Sbragia clearly rates the 23-year-old midfielder highly, and he has revealed he rejected an offer for his services from an unnamed Premier League rival in the New Year.

"He has always been a good player. We had an offer in the window for him from a Premier League club and we refused it,” Sbragia told the Sunderland Echo.

"The money was not what we wanted, even if we thought about selling, which we didn't. Sometimes players are maybe at a club too long. Grant's been here since he was nine.

“It's a long time and he might want a change - but I still want him to stay. He is a Sunderland diehard and I know what we get from him. He is good on the ball, always works hard, good ability. He is a good Premier League player and, from now on, I think he will kick on."

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