Ex-Bolton goalkeeper still on Sunderland radar as League One rivals look elsewhere

Sunderland had been competing with Ipswich Town for the former Bolton keeper but their League One rivals are closing in on the signing of David Cornell.

Matthews is a free agent having left Bolton Wanderers, he was signed there by now-Sunderland boss Parkinson.

The 26-year-old, who has been on several loan spells during his career, is a product of the Norwich City academy.

Parkinson hopes to sign up to five more players before the October deadline, with the new League One season getting underway September 12.

Speaking generally about his transfer plans, Parkinson said: "We tried to get a couple in before Friday but those deals didn't quite get over the line.

“It was the decisions of the agents and the players on that one and when you're going for players who have Championship interest, it can be difficult.

“We've had to change tack a bit in the last couple of days and reassess what we're going to do.

“I'm still confident we'll have a strong squad but one or two we thought we could get, are not in the marketplace right now.”

Meanwhile, in-demand Oxford United captain Rob Dickie is wanted by a host of clubs this summer – with Newcastle United the latest club credited with an interest.

National reports over the weekend claim Steve Bruce is eyeing up a move for the centre-back as he looks to strengthen his defensive options, Oxford missing out on promotion last season in the play-off final.

Newly promoted Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and relegated Norwich City have all been scouting the defender in recent months, with the Sun claiming Newcastle have a strong interest.

Oxford United boss Karl Robinson recently confirmed that the asking price for the 24-year-old defender had gone up due to the high level of interest in him.

No offers had been tabled at the start of the month but interest is high.

Robinson told the Oxford Mail: "There's been a lot of interest.

"We've had a phone call (talking) in excess of an awful lot of millions.”

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