Sam Allardyce has insisted that he would like Jeremain Lens to play a "big part" in Sunderland's battle against relegation.

The 28-year-old revealed last month that he could leave the Stadium of Light during the ongoing transfer window in a bid to secure more regular starting opportunities elsewhere.

However, having received no approaches for the summer signing from Dynamo Kiev, Allardyce admitted that he wanted Lens to stay put.

"Hopefully he's got to grips with this level of football, which is hugely difficult in your first season in the Premier League," the Black Cats boss told reporters.

"We haven't had any interest in Jeremain from anybody else, so I would want him to be a big part of what we're trying to do to get out of the trouble we're in."

The Netherlands international has scored three goals from his 16 outings this season.