Sunderland scraps January deal to bring back M'Vila

Sunderland ditched the opportunity to re-sign Rubin Kazan midfielder Yann M'Vila after the player notified his representatives he no longer wants to play for the Black Cats.

David Moyes' side had a 3 1/2-year agreement in place to sign M'Vila during the January window, but upon hearing of the Frenchman's position, Sunderland said in a statement it wouldn't "enforce the contract."

The 26-year-old made 37 Premier League appearances for the club last season during a successful season-long loan spell. The north east side failed to reach an agreement with Kazan in the summer to make the move permanent - a reality that left M'Vila "heartbroken," according to his Instagram page.

M'Vila is now reportedly closer to signing a new deal with Kazan. His current contract expires Dec. 31.