Oxford United's hopes of a huge cash windfall have been dealt a blow - after Dean Whitehead vowed to stay at Sunderland.

The midfielder, who has spent the last four seasons at the Stadium of Light after leaving United, has been linked with a £3m move to Stoke.

And because of the 25 per cent sell-on clause negotiated by the tribunal following Whitehead's sale, United were licking their lips at a possible £750,000 bonus.

However, the ex-Abingdon-based star wants to stay with Sunderland.

"It's exciting times for the club and I want to be a part of it," he said.

"I've been here four years now, I've seen a few ups and downs, but securing top-flight status was a huge thing for us last season and I can't wait to tackle it again this year."

He added: "The gaffer is planning to bring in some new players and that will only benefit the club and me as a player.

"It will improve the overall quality of the squad and should enable the club to move to the next level.

"I certainly want to be a part of that and I'm looking forward to the challenge of staying in team."

Whitehead, who is under contract until 2011, bounced back from a serious knee injury last season to hit full stride in the second half of the campaign.

He played every game after regaining fitness in late November.