Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has insisted that he is enjoying his football and ignoring the transfer rumours that surround him.

The Italian has impressed since joining the Black Cats from Arsenal last summer and has been linked with a move to Manchester United as a back-up to David de Gea.

However, despite the speculation, Mannone has said that he is simply concentrating on helping Sunderland reach the League Cup final, with the second leg to come against United next week.

"I don't really care about this stuff," Mannone told reporters. "It's stuff that happens outside of the football pitch. My concentration is on the football pitch and it was on this game.

"Now we have got another massive game. I am really living my best time right now at Sunderland and I don't see why I would move right now.

"I want to stay as first choice and I want my performances to improve. That's the only aim I have, apart from aiming to beat Manchester United."

Mannone has made 17 appearances so far this season.