Fletcher opts for Stoke as Celtic talks break down
Steven Fletcher has opted to sign for Stoke City after holding talks with Celtic.
The 33-times capped Scotland international has signed a two-year deal.
The former Hibernian striker held talks with Celtic before the Parkhead side signed Switzerland forward Albian Ajeti in a £5 million deal from West Ham United.
It was reported that Celtic were only prepared to offer Fletcher a one-year deal when the player was looking for a two-year contract.
The 33-year-old was available on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract offer from Stoke’s Championship rivals, Sheffield Wednesday.
Stoke manager Michael O’neill told the club website: “I’ve known Steven for a long time, since he first broke into the team at Hibernian. He’s a player I’ve always liked; I’ve watched his career with interest and wherever he has been he has done well and scored goals.
“I know how important he was to Sheffield Wednesday last season and it’s no coincidence that they had a difficult second half of the season when injury took Steven out of the team so I think it’s a really positive signing for us.”
Fletcher scored 13 league goals in 27 Championship appearances for Wednesday last season. Stoke are the seventh club of the well travelled striker’s career.
After beginning his career at Easter Road, Fletcher move to Burnley in a £3m move in 2009. After a year at Turf Moor he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, then, in 2012, he signed for Sunderland in a £12m deal. He had a loan spell at Marseille before moving to Hillsborough in 2016.