Phil Parkinson confirms interest in Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty and drops a hint on Sunderland's future deals

Reports north of the border claimed that the Black Cats were set to seal a deal for the 23-year-old, who is available on loan from the Ibrox side in January.

Charlton Athletic are also believed to be keen on Docherty, who spent a productive loan spell at Shrewsbury Town last season.

And while Parkinson admits Docherty is a player being monitored by Sunderland’s recruitment staff, he played down talk of any imminent deal.

“Greg is a player we’ve looked at, and we have had initial chats with Rangers,” revealed the Sunderland boss.

“But there’s a number of those discussions going on, and the weekend is coming now so we’ll concentrate on that and reconvene after the game.”

While talks are ongoing, Parkinson believes it is unlikely that any deals - in or out of the Academy of Light - will be sealed before the weekend.

But with the likes of Aiden McGeady, Will Grigg and Marc McNulty all linked with the exit door, the Sunderland boss concedes that some players may depart before 11pm on January 31.

“There’s nothing going to happen prior to the weekend, ins or outs, as it stands.

“Like I’ve said previously, we concentrate on what we’re bringing in.

“If towards the end of the window we feel someone has fallen down the pecking order and can go, then we’ll look at that.”

Sunderland have risen to the verge of the play-off places after a fine run of form, and Parkinson believes that the positive performances of late will only help in attracting January recruits.

“There’s plenty of players we’ve been linked with, and of course the fact we’ve had a good Christmas helps.

“Players want to be part of a successful team and any potential signing can look at the performances of late and think ‘yeah, I want to be a part of that’.

“It’s up to us to select the right players who can fit their piece into the jigsaw.”