Steven Fletcher: 'Joey Barton recommended Marseille'

Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher has revealed that Joey Barton texted him with advice as he completed a loan switch to Marseille earlier this month.

The 28-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side on a deadline-day deal running to the end of the season, effectively ending his time in the North-East, where his contract expires in June.

Barton, who has previously spent time on loan in the south of France, got in touch with the former Wolves frontman after the switch to tell him to embrace the opportunity.

"When I was contacted by Marseille, Yann M'Vila and another French colleague told me to certainly go, not to hesitate, to enjoy it," Fletcher told reporters.

"They know the club well and have helped me in terms of integrating myself. I had the chance to receive a text from Joey Barton and he advised me to profit from all the minutes that I will get to play at Marseille."

Barton previously claimed that Fletcher would struggle to get a place in the first team at Marseille, who are currently 10th in Ligue 1.