Hull City want to keep released Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher in England.

Celtic will face competition from Aston Villa and Hull to land free agent Fletcher, says Sky Sports.

The 29-year-old striker was released by Sunderland after an unsuccessful half-season loan at Marseilles last season but could be thrown a lifeline by Brendan Rodgers.

The Park Head club came close to signing Fletcher from Hibs back in 2009 before he moved south of the border to Burnley and then Wolves.

He said he was "flattered" to be linked with a move to Celtic while on Scotland duty last week and now his contract situation has been resolved it could finally pave the way for a move to the SPL champions.