Fletcher and Brown among players released by Sunderland

London - Sunderland released four players including Scotland striker Steven Fletcher and former Manchester United defender Wes Brown on Friday.

Fletcher joined the Black Cats in a £12 million move from Wolves in 2012, but his tally of 23 goals in 108 appearances for the Premier League club wasn't enough to convince boss Sam Allardyce to give him a new contract.

The 29-year-old signed a loan deal with Marseille in January and admitted earlier this week that he had no expectations of continuing his career with Allardyce's team, who narrowly stayed up last season.

Fletcher leaves the Stadium of Light alongside the injury-plagued Brown, former Swansea City striker Danny Graham and ex-Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper, none of whom will be offered extensions to contracts which expire shortly.

Graham endured a miserable time with Sunderland, scoring only one goal in 37 appearances and going out on loan four times following his £5 million signing in 2013.

The 30-year-old has reportedly drawn interest from Scottish champions Celtic and English second tier team Blackburn Rovers.