Sunderland boss David Moyes says it was his decision to cash in on Patrick van Aanholt so he could free up funds to sign his Everton old boys Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson.
Van Aanholt left for Crystal Palace in a £14million deal on Monday morning with Oviedo and Gibson arriving later in the day for a combined fee of £7.5m.
Moyes has also seen a £7m bid for Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa rejected, although he could make an improved offer before Tuesday night's deadline.
Some supporters are worried that defender Van Aanholt has joined a relegation rival, but Moyes said: 'It was my decision to sell him, just in case anyone thinks it was Ellis Short (the owner).