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Darren Fletcher's move was widely reported at the weekend to have failed over a breakdown in talks regarding personal terms.

However it appears that the Manchester United midfielder's return to Old Trafford had rather more to do with issues regarding his medical, than financial ones as reported elsewhere.

Fletcher, who was 31 yesterday, finally accepted West Ham's offer of a three-and-a-half year contract last week but KUMB understand that concerns arose about the player's long-term fitness following his medical.

That led to a request by West Ham to amend the deal, whereby Manchester United would loan Fletcher to West Ham for the rest of the current season with view to a permanent deal. Not acceptable, said the Scottish international's current club who had already agreed to release him on a free transfer.

Fletcher made 342 appearances for Manchester United, his only professional club, during which time he has gained five Premier League winners medals and one Champions League. The latest in a long line of home-grown talents, he was a firm favourite with his club's fans.

However his career hit the rocks in 2011 when he announced he would be taking an extended break from football to receive treatment for ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

After undergoing surgery in 2013, which he hailed as "a success", Fletcher returned to first team duties at Old Trafford - but few Manchester United supporters felt he was the same player. Understandably perhaps given his traumatic, life-changing experience.

Having reached agreement with Manchester United regarding the termination of his contractual obligations and prior to entering talks with West Ham, Fletcher had also been courted by new West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis.

However even if that move was reignited and realised, Fletcher couldn't face West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup when the two sides meet on Valentines Day as he previously featured for Manchester United in their third round win at Yeovil.

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