The business you can expect from Sunderland on deadline day and the key stories to watch out for

Sunderland head into deadline day still hopeful that they will be able to make two additions to Phil Parkinson's squad.
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Parkinson is eager to add another forward capable of playing as an attacking midfielder in his preferred 3-4-3 system, as well as cover for Denver Hume at left wing-back.

His main priority is the forward area, where he has been patient in his pursuit of key targets throughout the month.

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The Black Cats have a long-standing interest in Antoine Semenyo, the talented 19-year-old who spent time on loan at Newport County last season.

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson hopes to make at least two additions on deadline daySunderland boss Phil Parkinson hopes to make at least two additions on deadline day
Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson hopes to make at least two additions on deadline day

Parkinson confirmed his interest on December 30th, saying that Semenyo had the 'pace and power' he was after.

The broad-strokes of a deal were agreed but Bristol City were rocked when Arsenal decided not to loan out Eddie Nketiah.

That sparked an impasse but the situation looks to have changed again now that Lee Johnson has signed Burnley striker Nahki Wells. Sunderland are hopeful of concluding a deadline day loan deal that will be a major boost for the Black Cats boss.

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His attacking options have impressed of late but Semenyo will bring competition and, crucially, variety.

Sunderland will also look to sign a left wing-back, a position Parkinson has admitted is more difficult position to fill.

He agreed a deal early in the window with a club, but saw that held up when the player in question could not agree terms on a new contract.

He has therefore lined up other potential options, including Swansea City's Declan John.

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On Thursday, Swansea boss Steve Cooper confirmed that John could move on before the 11pm deadline, but it felt telling that he also stressed that the deal had not progressed beyond the stage of the initial enquiry.

Beyond that, Sunderland's business is set to be defined by what comes next for Will Grigg.

Parkinson, has talked up the striker recently and with Grigg seemingly making it clear that he would not drop down to League Two, it seemed increasingly likely that he would stay.

Sunderland would not consider a loan switch to a League One rival.

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However, Oxford United boss Karl Robinson on Thursday raised eyebrows by publicly stating his intention to secure a permanent deal.

It has subsequently emerged that the club could be about to lose Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu to Brentford, a move that would significantly affect their side but could boost Robinson's ability to go back into the market.

It is likely to be a tense final day but one thing Parkinson has been clear on is that the departure of Grigg will only be sanctioned if he can secure a replacement.

Beyond that, Aiden McGeady's future has been settled, the winger has joined Charlton Athletic on loan.

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Marc McNulty could also leave with Hibernian keen, while Grimsby Town are hopeful that they will be able to take Ethan Robson back on loan.

Both those deals will only happen if Parkinson lands his targets.