Wolves reject new Steven Fletcher bid

Wolves have thrown out yet another bid from Sunderland for striker Steven Fletcher.

It is understood the Black Cats raised the bar again yesterday, although it is unclear by how much at this stage, as Wolves look to push the bidding towards the £15m mark.

Wolves have already rejected a series of bids culminating in a £12m cash offer from the Black Cats for their record £7m signing. It is understood they snubbed a previous offer of £10m plus £2m in add-ons.

No other bidders are involved, and although Wolves have driven the price higher than most expected to have triggered a sale, all parties still want to do a deal. Rumours that the Wearsiders also want Stephen Ward are believed to be wide of the mark.

The news comes as boss Stale Solbakken admitted the Fletcher saga had reached a critical stage.

The 25-year-old striker rejoined full training for the first time in over two weeks yesterday after recovering from his ankle injury.

But even if he remains fit all week, he is not expected to make himself available for Saturday's Championship opener at Leeds, with negotiations over his transfer to Sunderland at such a delicate point.

Solbakken said: "With Fletcher, it's at a stage now that it's more or less at the end. If Sunderland want the player they will probably come back again but you'll have to ask them.

"I know the club's valuation but we're trying to build a good team here with or without Fletcher."

Asked if the striker would be involved against Leeds, Solbakken said: "I'm more doubtful about that and that's more down to his injury.

"Maybe he'll need a game behind closed doors. Fletcher trained yesterday and I think he'll train fully this week.

"Both (Fletcher and Matt Jarvis) have acted professionally."

Solbakken laughed off suggestions that Jarvis, who missed Saturday's Capital One Cup clash against Aldershot with a sickness bug as his desire to leave was made public, had a medical arranged at West Ham.

"I think we'd have to accept an offer before he could have a medical," he said. "I've not been informed if he has. I think I would have known."

Wolves rejected the Hammers' offer of £6m plus £3m in add-ons on Friday.