Wolves striker Steven Fletcher felt backed into a corner over his demand for a transfer to Sunderland.

The Journal says he felt forced into what for him is unwanted action when he discovered his current club had knocked back an improved £12m offer from the Black Cats, and showed no signs of any compromise at all.

Fletcher believed a deal could be done before the Premier League season begins a week on Saturday.

However, he was also concerned about ruining the good relationship at Wolves and hoped he would not have to ask to leave.

But the 25-year-old felt that this was the only way to force the Midlanders into accepting what many would consider to be an excellent offer for a player of his calibre.