The FA has said that Sunderland did not break any rule when they made an approach for Tranmere youngster Sean Thornton. The Birkenhead club claimed that both the player and club had broken rules by negotiating a deal whilst Thornton was still in contract at Prenton Park.

However, an FA spokesman said today that clubs are entitled to speak to players with less than six months left on their contracts.

Tranmere had claimed that Sunderland would face a points deduction or fine for an illegal approach after Thornton admitted agreeing a deal with the Wearsiders and training with Peter Reid's squad.

Whether this as an end to the matter for Tranmere remains to be seen.

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