Deadline Day round-up: Late swoop doubt for Sunderland, Remy linked with Cats, Fletcher off?
Loic Remy and Micah Richards have been linked with a dramatic move to Sunderland - but the Echo understands neither deal is likely.
And it could be that the club is closed for business for the rest of the day, bar Fletcher’s proposed switch to Marseille.
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Hide AdThe striker is in France as the two clubs try to agree terms, with the Scot having just six months left on his contract at Sunderland.
Earlier, relegation rivals Aston Villa moved quickly to distance the club from selling Richards, their captain.
Boss Remi Garde said: "We have got a small squad and Micah is a player who will play for sure for the rest of the season."
For the latest transfer news head to the live blog:Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Remy has been linked with several clubs with the striker available on loan as he is surplus to requirements at the Blues.
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Hide AdLeicester City and Newcastle United are among the clubs tracking him before the 11pm deadline.
But Sunderland's focus remains boosting their defensive options.
The Black Cats were dealt an early deadline day blow when Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Sunderland target Mathieu Debuchy was not likely to leave the club on a permanent deal today.
The Frenchman said: "Debuchy [leaving] is a possibility.
"At the moment it doesn’t look likely but it is still a possibility. Yes [it will be a loan] because it's impossible to conclude a permanent move now."
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Hide AdThe right back, who has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa, has since been linked with a shock move to Manchester United.
For the latest transfer news head to the live blog: Meanwhile, further up the road the main news has surrounded Saido Berahino.
Newcastle are said to have had no formal response to the £21million bid that was placed yesterday.
One deal that Newcastle have completed is that of striker Seydou Doumbia on a loan deal until the end of the season.
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Hide AdThe Ivorian comes to Newcastle after a loan spell at CSKA Moscow from Roma, but despite having three years left on his contract with the Italian side, he has been told he is not part of new coach Luciano Spalletti’s plans.