Phil Parkinson confirms interest in Bristol City skipper Bailey Wright with Sunderland 'closing in' on new signings

Sunderland beat MK Dons 1-0 thanks to a stunning strike from Lynden Gooch 12 minutes from time at Stadium MK to extend the unbeaten run to seven games, with Sunderland winning their last three games.

Parkinson is looking to further strengthen this month following the January capture of Kyle Lafferty on a free earlier this month.

The ex-Rangers and Hearts striker has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season, with Parkinson hoping to land signing number two early next week.

Parkinson didn’t confirm any names but he did confirm interest in Bristol City skipper Wright, who is thought to be closing in on a permanent move to the Stadium of Light.

When quizzed on Wright, Parkinson told the Echo: “He is one player we have looked at.

“We want to make sure we have the squad as strong as possible.”

Wright was not part of the Bristol City squad that played on Saturday, with a deal thought to be close between the two clubs.

Parkinson, speaking before the game, had said he hoped to add signing number two on Monday.

When pressed on that and when he expects more business to be done, he said: “Whether it is Monday or later in the week, we are closing in on a few deals, yes.”

Sunderland are next in action when they host Doncaster Rovers at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening.