The Black Cats are searching for as many as five new arrivals during the winter trading period, with Parkinson set to make his mark on the squad after some disappointing resuls of late.
But who could be arriving at the Stadium of Light? Scroll down and click through the pages to see who has been linked with Sunderland:
5. Lawrence Shankland (Dundee United)
Linked in the summer, Sunderland have once again been credited with an interest in Shankland ahead of the January window. A reported £2million asking price may deter the Black Cats, though - while Celtic and Rangers are also believed to be keen. Photo: Ian MacNicol
6. Bahlul Mustafazade (Sabah)
The Azerbaijan international has previously spoken of his desire to move abroad, amid reported interested from Celtic and Sunderland. Talk of a move to Wearside for the central defender has quietened in recent weeks, though. Photo: ATTILA KISBENEDEK
7. Rayhaan Tulloch (West Bromwich Albion)
The young striker was believed to be attracting interest from a number of clubs - with both permanent and loan deals considered. For Sunderland though, the interest was reportedly in securing a loan deal until the end of the season. Leeds, Newcastle and a host of top tier and Championship sides are also understood to be keen. Photo: Catherine Ivill
8. Marcus Maddison (Peterborough)
It wouldn't be a transfer window without Maddison being linked with the Stadium of Light, but he is extremely unlikely to make the move to Sunderland given his £2.5million release clause. Photo: Alex Pantling