Colin Cooper: “I saw Lee earlier this week - I would love to say we’re about to sign him on a four-year deal!
“But I have known Lee since he was 14 years old and I just tried to give him the benefit of my experience having been in a similar situation at about his age.
“Sometimes it’s about biting the bullet, getting on with your life and playing football.
“It is difficult for him though - he’s a cracking kid and a very good footballer, but he’s obviously feeling very frustrated.
“It happens in football, you get a manager which comes in and he just does not see you fitting into his plans.
“But you’ve just got to get on with things.”
Sunderland Premier League Fixtures
Saturday August 17
15:00 Premier League Sunderland v Fulham
Saturday August 24
15:00 Premier League Southampton v Sunderland
Saturday August 31
17:30 Premier League Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Saturday September 14
15:00 Premier League Sunderland v Arsenal
Saturday September 21
15:00 Premier League West Brom v Sunderland