Sunderland AFC transfer news: Right back faces race against time to earn permanent deal

The 25-year-old joined the Championship side on a season-long loan deal last summer but injuries and a loss of form have hampered his chances of making the move permanent.

The Bristol Post claim manager Lee Johnson has been scouring the transfer market for a new full back as he is yet to be convinced Matthews is the answer at right back.

As things stand the Wales international is due to return to the Stadium of Light this summer. He doesn't look to have a future on Wearside, though.

Manager David Moyes has favoured Billy Jones at right back this season, while Moyes also signed Javier Manquillo on a season long loan from Atletico Madrid with fellow summer signing Donald Love also capable of playing full-back.

Matthews, who has only made 13 appearances this season, has recently overcome a hamstring injury and is now looking to force his way back into manager Johnson's plans before the end of the campaign.

Sunderland paid £2million for the right back from Celtic in the summer of 2015 but he struggled to break into the first team and was first sent out on loan to Bristol City last season, when he did make a positive impression.

Time is now against him, though, if he is to make his second loan move with Bristol City permanent this summer.