Exclusive: Sunderland eye deals for Nottingham Forest duo Zach Clough and Liam Bridcutt

The Echo understands that the Black Cats have shown an interest in the duo, who are both set for loan moves this month having found themselves out of favour at the City Ground.

Parkinson is in the market for as many as four new faces, with a forward player and central midfielder believed to be on the club’s radar.

And Bridcutt and Clough have been identified as key targets for the Black Cats - who could make a concrete move for the duo in the coming days.

Bridcutt has just returned to the Midlands after a half-season loan spell at Bolton Wanderers and, having found his path to the first-team blocked, is expected to move on again this window.

The 30-year-old is no stranger to the Stadium of Light having turned out for Sunderland between 2014 and 2016 in a largely underwhelming spell.

But there is a belief within the Academy of Light that he could add some Championship know-how to Parkinson’s current squad and his versatility - having played in the middle of the park and at centre back this term - is also believed to be attractive to the club’s recruitment team.

Bridcutt’s current contract expires at the end of the season, and another loan move is set to be sanctioned this month.

Clough, meanwhile, is also on Sunderland’s radar as Parkinson seeks to add another forward to his ranks.

Kyle Lafferty joined the club late last week, but the Black Cats are still keen to bring in further attacking recruits - with Burton Albion’s Liam Boyce a target.

But Clough is also a name being considered after he worked with Parkinson during his time at Bolton Wanderers, with the Sunderland boss a big admirer of his work-rate and ability in the final third.

He could also operate in the role behind the striker, and is also being lined-up for a loan move by Forest this month.