Arca set for exit...

Julio Arca looks finally destined to leave Wearside after 6 years following Sunderland's imminent relegation.

After his agent revealed that several clubs in England and over Europe were monitoring his progress, Arca has himself revealed that he is not keen on a return to the Championship.

He told The Journal newspaper, 'I know what it's like to play in the Championship and I don't want to return.'

However he has insisted that nothing will be sorted with regards to his future on Wearside until the summer,

'I have to think about what is best for me and best for the club but that will not happen until the summer. We have said we will talk about it then.

'For now I am concentrating on getting fit and playing for Sunderland. We have six games left and I want to play in five of them at least.'

It will come as no shock to Sunderland fans should the fans favourite leave this summer, having had several chances beforehand to do so.

The tricky Argentine could have left the last time Sunderland were relegated but chose to stay for 2 years in the Championship in the hope of another promotion. This was secured last season, however this year's torrid Premiership season will undoubtedly see the end of Arca's tenure on Wearside.

Meanwhile, he is hoping to recover from his hamstring strain in time for the derby match on Monday, while the visit to Manchester may come too soon.

'I was back kicking a ball with the physio on Monday and it feels fine, but we're thinking more Monday than Friday. We'll see how training goes and see what happens.

'If I pushed myself and maybe played on Friday, I don't think I would have enough time to recuperate for Monday. It would be a risk.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.