Sunderland have been looking for reinforcements all the way through their squad in this January transfer window.

However, their efforts have been hamstrung by the lack of money available to former Wales manager Chris Coleman. Financial mismanagement in previous years has meant that he is almost exclusively shopping in the loan market.

One player Coleman had his eye on with a view to engineering a temporary deal was Wolves outcast Ben Marshall.

Marshall has not played for Nuno Santo's high-flying side since November 9 and was left off of their warm weather training camp to Spain.

That meant a deal looked possible, but according to the Northern Echo, Marshall is now unlikely to join the Black Cats, with Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side now in pole position.

The Verdict

The deal for Marshall was one that looked like it might get over the line for Coleman and Sunderland.

It looked like it made sense but what can Coleman do? Fulham are far higher up the league and play better football than Sunderland and if they swoop, it is understandable that Marshall will go.

Sunderland fans - did you want your club to sign Marshall? Fulham fans - are you pleased with the news you are now at the front of the queue? Let us know in the comments below...