Yann M'Vila has decided against joining Sunderland from Rubin Kazan in the January transfer window, the Premier League club have confirmed.
In a statement released on the Black Cats' official website chief executive Martin Bain said the club will not pursue any player not "wholly committed" to joining them, adding "I was contacted this week by Yann M'Vila's representatives, who advised that the player no longer wishes to join Sunderland."
Bain said that a "three-and-a-half year agreement" was in place with the 26-year-old French midfielder but after "discussions with the manager we have decided not to enforce the contract."
M'Vila spent last season on loan with the Black Cats, making 37 league appearances as they narrowly avoided relegation.
It had previously been reported by the Sunderland Echo that M'Vila, who will become a free agent next summer, would return to Sunderland on a free transfer in January.