Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris says that the Black Cats were keen to keep hold of Brighton-bound Tommy Watson - but is trying to look on the bright side of the teenager's move.
Watson, 18, signed for the Seagulls in a deal worth £10m on Tuesday and will join the Premier League side in the summer.
"We have to accept the situation. The timing is not ideal but at the same time we know that Tommy had multiple offers from Premier League clubs before," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"We declined and tried to renew his contract.