Exclusive: Sunderland eyeing move for QPR midfielder Josh Scowen as Phil Parkinson targets midfielder

Phil Parkinson is keen to strengthen his midfield options before the winter transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday, and Scowen is now understood to be on the Black Cats’ radar.

Scowen began his professional career at Wycombe Wanderers - where he played alongside Luke O’Nien - before joining Barnsley in 2014.

He helped the Tykes to promotion from League One in his second season at the club and later went on to join QPR.

The midfielder has made 103 appearances during his spell at Loftus Road, 20 of which have come this season.

Recent weeks, however, have seen the 26-year-old mainly used from the bench - prompting Sunderland to up their interest.

Parkinson has also been keen on Oliver Norburn and Greg Docherty this month, while reports earlier today claimed Richie Smallwood was another name under consideration.