John Mensah's representatives have started angling for a permanent deal at Sunderland despite an injury-wrecked loan spell for the deputy Ghana captain. Mensah has been in the headlines in his time at Sunderland mostly for one injury or the other and with time nearing for negotiations on whether to retain him or not, his agent Fabian Piveteau has spoke of how Mensah wants to stay on because of his love for the club. "John definitely wants to stay. He wants to be at Sunderland next season very much," said Piveteau. "He likes the club, he loves the atmosphere of the crowd and the supporters and he sees Sunderland as his future if they want him to stay. It is a loan deal but he has always wanted to stay. "There have been no discussions yet between the manager and John but they have to take up an option before May 30 if they want to keep him so we will see what happens." Mensah's fitness has frustrated Bruce this season and may well be the biggest consideration in deciding whether to sign him on a long term contract.