Report: Lee Cattermole's Sunderland future in doubt

Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines because of his refusal to leave the club, according to a report.

The Sunday People claims that the 25-year-old wanted a payoff from the Black Cats before agreeing to switch to Stoke City on transfer deadline day.

It has been reported that Sunderland and Stoke had struck a £5m deal, but Cattermole refused to agree to the move after Gus Poyet's side declined to give him a payoff.

The future of Cattermole, who was left out of the Black Cats' 3-0 away win against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, is now said to be uncertain.