Niall Quinn has denied that he is quitting as Sunderland chairman to take over as chief executive at his former club Manchester City.

The Irishman has been linked with a role at the Etihad Stadium after the departure of Garry Cook earlier this month.

Despite overseeing City's rise in the Premier League and their Champions League qualification, Cook left the club after allegedly sending an offensive email to the mother of City defender Nedum Onuoha.

However, Quinn has quelled the speculation by telling Sky Sports News that he is staying with Sunderland.

Quinn yesterday announced that he would be stepping down from his role at the Stadium of Light, with American businessman Ellis Short taking over.