Sunderland striker agrees to Ligue 1 switch
Marseille have completed the loan signing of Sunderland striker Stephen Fletcher on loan for the remainder of the season.
Fletcher, who has struggled for opportunities in the north east of England, agreed to move with the potential of making it a permanent deal when his Black Cats contract runs out at the end of the season.
Marseille had been watching another Premier League striker in Stoke City’s Peter Odemwingie, but that move collapsed and Fletcher is now set to fill link up with Mitchy Batshuayi, who is reportedly a £20 million target for Newcastle United.
Fletcher has made 18 appearances, scoring four goals for Sunderland this season, but has not been favoured by new boss Sam Allardyce.
Hammers offer
West Ham were also reportedly interested in the Scotland international, who has scored 23 goals for Sunderland since joining the club in 2012 from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In-form youngster Duncan Watmore, Jermaine Defoe, Fabio Borini and Dame N’Doye all feature higher up Allardyce’s pecking order, leaving Fletcher resigned to leaving in order to get the game time he wants.
Celtic were also interested in Fletcher, but the 28-year-old’s wages proved to be a stumbling block.
