Black Cats reject Stokes loan proposal

Published: 01 Jul 2009 - 12:26:00

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Hibernian have been told to forget about trying to sign Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes on loan. The Scottish Premier League side have been heavily linked with the Irishman in recent weeks with reports suggesting they are hoping to seal a year-long temporary move for him. However, the Black Cats are only interested in a permanent deal for a player who has never been able to establish himself at the Stadium of Light. Manager Steve Bruce is due to start work on Wearside next week after heading back from his summer break following his appointment last month, and has promised every player in the current squad a chance to prove themselves as he contemplates a fresh recruitment drive. But that does not appear to extend to the 20-year-old Dubliner, who spent much of last season out on loan, firstly at Sheffield United and then at Crystal Palace. Hibs' interest in him is understandable - new manager John Hughes was the man who took him to Falkirk, and he is looking for frontmen after selling Steven Fletcher to Burnley.