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Rumours had been building all day that Lee Cattermole was on the verge of joining Premier League rivals Stoke City, even going as far to suggest that a fee of around £5m had been agreed between the clubs and the midfielder was either on his way to Stoke to undergo a medical or was already in the Potteries.
According to Sky Sports News, Sunderland have called of the move and have decided to keep the player at the club until the end of the season at least.
What has triggered this apparent change of heart from the club is unknown. It may be that a move for a potential replacement had broken down, with Stoke's own Geoff Cameron mentioned as a possible target, or it could be that the rumour regarding Craig Gardner to West Brom is true and if the club had to lose a midfielder, then they would prefer it to be Gardner. Of course it may be as simple as Gus Poyet deciding to keep the player at the club, particularly with Liam Bridcutt being ineligible for the Capital One Cup final.
Either way, this change of heart will no doubt be a popular decision with the fans but the 25-year-old is still expected to miss the Tyne-Wear derby tomorrow due to injury.
