Phil Parkinson explains his stance on further Sunderland incomings and his midfielder search

The Black Cats have made two additions so far this window, and though he has been relaxed about further additions, he continues to monitor the market as the window begins to reach the closing stages.

In particular, he is known to be keen on adding cover and competition at full-back and midfield.

“In an ideal world, yes [we'll make further additions],” he said.

“I don't want to bring in players just for the sake of it.

“For Friday's game, as it stands, we'll have an 18-man squad and three players are going to miss out on that.

“Everybody knows that, and supporters will write down the squad I'm sure like myself, know that there are one or two areas where we are still a little bit vulnerable.

“We would like to add to the squad again but will only do so if the right player becomes available.”

His interest in a number of midfield players is well known, with Greg Docherty of Rangers and Ollie Norburn of Shrewsbury Town publicly named as targets.

Sunderland have also enquired about Cardiff City’s Will Vaulks, though the Bluebirds are believed to be keen to hold on to him as it stands.

Parkinson says it is about remaining patient and being adequately prepared, using his ultimately successful pursuit of Bailey Wright as an example.

“It's a bit like with the Bailey Wright situation,” he said.

If we couldn't get him, we had one or two other players we'd made enquiries about.

“In our mind, we wanted to get Bailey but you just never know.

“Bristol City got an injury and if that had been serious, then the deal could have gone by the wayside.

“So you've got to make enquiries to ensure you know the financial situation with the other players as well.”

To that end, Parkinson said that the lack of progress on Docherty was not for financial reasons.

“We know what the deal is,” he said.

“But there are other players we're considering.

“Greg has got other options as well and he's got to look about his belief that he's going to get into a team quickly because he wants to play football.

“He's one of the players we've looked at but there other ones in that position.”