Black Cats manager Steve Bruce has expressed frustration that striker Asamoah Gyan will join United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain on a one-year loan contract and doubts the Ghanaian will play for Sunderland again.

"No I don't, I don't believe that, I don't believe he's got a future here, I don't think he can,” Bruce was quoted as saying on Skysports.

"You can't leave this club and want to go the United Arab Emirates and we're going to welcome you back with open arms, I can't see it but you never know."

"Other people can make their own conclusions. You leave the biggest and best league in the world to go play in the United Arab Emirates.”

"I'm sorry but sometimes football, sometimes it's baffling to say the least. Very disappointed in the timing of it, the whole thing has left a bad taste if I'm being honest."

The 25-year-old international became Sunderland’s record signing when he arrived at the Stadium of Light for 13 million pounds ($20 million) from French club Rennes just over a year ago, but has failed to settle.