EPL News 24/7Steven Fletcher is a better player than most people think, and he’d actually be a real asset to Sunderland as their principle forward – but if the figures in the press are to be believed, Martin O’Neil is getting close to offering too much for the Scot.
Wolves are supposedly asking for £15m for Fletcher, and the Midlands club are clearly hoping that nobody matches that valuation. Good for them, it’s nice to see a relegated side trying to retain the spine of their side in a bid to bounce straight back.
The problem is though, that while the player is worth £15m to Wolves’ promotion bid, he won’t make that kind of contribution to Sunderland’s Premier League season – the fee is too large. The Mail reported today that O’Neil is now offering £12m plus Connor Wickham on a season-long loan. Actually, that would be a pretty good deal for the Black Cats, as Wickham’s development into the talent he should become is an important long-term goal – and that will be helped by regular first-team football. All that being said, should Wolves knock-back that bid, then it’s time to move on – anything more, and Sunderland would be giving up far too much for a second-tier forward.
For that kind of money, they should be aiming for a forward who ticks the ‘twenty goal-a-season’ box – and fine player though he is, Steven Fletcher isn’t that player.
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We are not negotiating, we do not need to sell, Sunderland need a striker, £15m gets Sunderland a player with the potential to score 20 goals a season – pay £20m plus this will get Sunderland a proven 20+ goals a season striker – maybe .
Dave H
fletcher may well be a decent forward but i dont think he is prolific. he will get a lot more chances created for him at SAFC rather than Wolves especially with the likes of Sesseggon providing and creating for him. If he has ambition surely he should come forward and say he wants to join SAFC rather than play in the Championship! But SAFC have to be realistic and not pay over the top, i think a sensible agreement could be £8m rising to £12m after 50 goals. £15m which is quoted in the press lately is a silly figure and SAFC should pull the plug
Why put up or shut up. Your lot are just negotiating just as much as we are. What idiot goes in and offers the inflated price asked by the vendor?
Very few Sunderland fans rate Fletcher as a £10 mill player and nor do I and I have seen him play at your ground many times. Perhaps with a decent service he will grow into the position, which is what I suspect MON believes and a sale and loan deal, including Wickham for you would serve both clubs well. Mind you I am not convinced that we could provide that service from both wings as yet.
At £15 million I would rather see us pay £20+ M for someone else.
disagree compare Fletchers goals to games ratio he is up there with them, puit him in a side where he gets a constant supply rather than a struggling side he may well be a 20 goal a season man.
Sunderland shuold put up or shut up.
Come on you wolves
Dave H