Tommy said: "Although we didn't have a good season and none of us were happy I'm keen to stay here.
"We really believe we have a chance of bouncing straight back up and I want to be a part of that. I have a year left on my contract and am not looking to jump ship.
"At the moment things are up in the air with talks of a takeover and we have yet to see who the new manager will be so things might change.
"Certainly I'm delighted to here from you that Joe Royle is keen on signing me again and there is no doubt I love the place. I had some great time at Ipswich but at the moment my place is with Sunderland. Although you never know in football, maybe one day I will be back for a third time."
Another former player, Jamie Clapham, could be more attainable, having been released from Birmingham.