Wolves: No deal on sale of Steven Fletcher

Wolves today denied agreeing a deal with Sunderland for the sale of Steven Fletcher.

Speculation spread over social networking site Twitter overnight that the Black Cats had had a bid of £12m accepted by Wolves for the 25-year-old striker and that he was heading to the north east for a medical.

But this was quickly flattened by senior sources at Molineux, who it is understood have not had a second serious offer from Wearside since turning down the £10m bid earlier this week.

It is understood Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is unwilling to increase his bid by more than £1m, which is unlikely to force Wolves' hand as they will only reluctantly do business if they are offered 'exceptional' money.

Rumours continue to persist about Fletcher's future, especially as he remains out of contention with the minor ankle injury picked up last week which has now seen him sit out the last three of the four first-team friendlies against Walsall, Shrewsbury and today's final warm-up game at Southampton.

Richard Stearman, Fletcher's room-mate on the recent pre-season trip to Ireland and one of his closest friends at Molineux, said the striker would give his all to get the club promoted if he is forced to stay at Wolves.

"I'm sure if he's got to stay, he'll give it his all and help get us right up the league," said Stearman.

"He would be a real force if he stayed.

"He'd be one of the best players in this league, and if the club decide not to sell him, then they won't sell him."