Sunderland give up on Steven Fletcher, look to Jermain Defoe?

Sunderland are reportedly ready to pounce for Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe as their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Steven Fletcher begins to drag.

The North-East outfit have been keen to clinch Fletcher, who submitted a transfer request at Molineux on Wednesday.

Despite reported talks between the two parties, it is understood that Wolves are requesting £15m for the striker, which has prompted Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill to consider Defoe, according to the Shields Gazette.

Defoe has dropped down the rankings at White Hart Lane since his move to the club in 2009.