Lee Cattermole’s proposed loan switch from Sunderland to French side Bordeaux is off.

A French journalist has tweeted that the move that would have seen the midfielder reunited with former manager at the Black Cats Gus Poyet is no longer an option.

Loosely translated, Adrien Mathieu’s tweet reads: "Lee Cattermole won't be coming to Bordeaux. Sunderland declined the loan because the English club wanted to separate it definitively while the people @Girondins were reluctant to his profile and his big salary. #GoalFrance” 

Cattermole made his first appearance of the season coming off the bench in the one-all draw with Luton Town this past weekend and could be set to feature in Thursday’s League Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday.

Despite links of a move away, Sunderland boss Jack Ross reiterated his desire to keep the midfielder and revealed he is still in his first-team plans for the forthcoming season.

The Verdict

And like that, one of the oddest transfer links of the summer is over.

Cattermole linking up with former boss Poyet would have been a good deal for Sunderland which would mean the midfielder’s wages are off the books.

But with a youthful side, the 30-year-old’s experience will be invaluable during the club’s League One campaign.

It is a catch 22 situation for the club, with the player happy to stay but the club happy to let him leave, and if nothing comes of any interest, both parties are suitably glad either way.

Bordeaux fans seem happy he is not signing, and Sunderland supporters should feel the same that he is staying and can right the wrongs of the past two season’s and help the club achieve an instant return to the Championship.Â