Sunderland manager Howard Wilkinson has told former Town striker Marcus Stewart that he is in his plans despite his lack of opportunities since Peter Reid's departure. Early last week TWTD reported that Town had had a loan bid for Stewart turned down, something confirmed by Joe Royle on Monday.

Stewart has made just one league start since Wilkinson took over on Wearside and the two are understood not to get on.

However, the former Leeds boss has assured the Bristolian that he has a future at the Stadium of Light.

This week Wolves were also reported to have shown loan interest in Stewart and a Sunderland spokesperson confirmed that the club had had several loan bids: "We've had numerous enquiries for players to go on loan.

"One of those was this request for Marcus Stewart but the club's response was to say no."

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