ASAMOAH Gyan has left Sunderland to join United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain on a season-long loan.

Despite Steve Bruce dismissing mounting speculation linking Gyan with a move away from Wearside during his press briefing on Friday, a loan deal was agreed this morning.

Al-Ain attempted to sign Gyan on a permanent basis last week, and while that approach was turned down, the African will spend the remainder of the season in the Middle East.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said: "Anyone who has seen Asamoah play will know that he hasn't been himself in recent months. This option suits all parties at the present time and the club is well protected in the deal.

"Asamoah has three years remaining on his contract and of course my wish would be that he finds his spark again and we see him in red-and-white stripes next season in the form that first attracted us to him."

In Gyan's absence, Bruce will have to rely on loanee Nicklas Bendtner, who arrived from Arsenal on transfer deadline day, and summer signings Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won.