Steven Fletcher has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice starter for Sunderland this season

Celtic: Steven Fletcher deadline day loan move stalled

Celtic failed to sign Sunderland and Scotland striker Steven Fletcher on loan before the transfer window closed, Golsicilia.it Scotland has learned.

The Scottish Premiership champions made their attempt hours ahead of the window closing on 1 September.

We understand the player was willing to join Celtic but Sunderland refused to allow the move to go ahead.

Sunderland signed Fletcher, 28, from Wolves in August 2012 for an initial fee of £12m.