Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC, sixth placers in the 2015 Chinese Super League season, is reportedly targeting Sunderland FC striker Steven Fletcher this January to boost their attacking options up front as the team prepares for this year's CSL competitions.
Daily Mail Online reported that the 28-year-old Fletcher "could be set to bail out of Sunderland's survival fight" off relegation in the current English Premier League season "by securing a lucrative move to China", particularly to Shanghai Shenhua.
The Blue Devils are said to be keen on snagging the Shrewsbury, England native out of the Stadium of Light and bring him to the Hongkou Football Stadium soonest.
Fletcher was acquired by the Black Cats in August 2012 via a £12 million transfer deal with then Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers and was signed to a four-year contract. The contract is set to expire at the end of this season and the 6-foot-1 goal scorer is reportedly planning to move out of the English club anyway.
Despite a rare two consecutive wins, Sunderland is still in the bottom three of the latest Premier League standings. The club's struggles are said to be the primary reason why Fletcher is looking to exit the Tyne and Wear residents.
If the transfer would push through, Fletcher will join other international talents such as striker Demba Ba, winger Tim Cahill, and midfielder Mohamed Sissoko in the Blue Devils' roster.
Shenhua is also rumored to be currently eyeing Newcastle United defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote for £8 million, as per HITC.
Fletcher appeared in 101 games in four seasons for Sunderland, scoring 23 goals in all competitions during the said time period.