David Meyler has revealed that he has paid no attention to speculation linking him with a move away from Sunderland.
A knee injury limited the 23-year-old's participation last season to nine appearances.
However, having recovered sufficiently to take part in the club's pre-season tour of South Korea, Meyler has insisted that his focus remains on breaking back into the Sunderland starting lineup.
"I don't know about any interest in me from any other clubs, but that's not what interests me at the moment anyway," he told the Sunderland Echo. "I'm just interested in trying to get to my match fitness for the new season, hoping to show the manager what I can do.
"I've been delighted to be involved in the trip to South Korea and hopefully I'll get more opportunities ahead of the new season.
"It's great to be back playing again, I've had no problems with the old injury and it's just a case of trying to get as many matches as possible under my belt now."
Meyler joined the Black Cats from Cork City in 2008.