Phil Parkinson gives transfer update as Sunderland launch bid for Mateo Bajamich

The Black Cats are believed to have submitted a bid of around £500,000 for the 21-year-old, who plays for Instituto in the Argentinian second tier.

Parkinson is eager to add another striking option to his squad and Bajamich is particularly appealing as he would not count towards the salary cap rules.

That would leave Parkinson with another free spot in his squad to further strengthen for what is going to be a punishing season.

"Like I said when we signed Arbenit, we have to spread our net wide to add the quality we need into the squad,” Parkinson said.

"He's a player we've obviously looked at and along with a number of targets, we'd like to add another couple into the group sooner rather than later.”

Sunderland face competition from elsewhere for Bajamich’s signature, with Parkinson adamant throughout the summer that he had numerous options for the position.

One of those in this the former Black Cat Danny Graham, who is available as a free agent and has trained with the club recently.

Parkinson hinted that the salary cap rules means he could potentially bring in both, though he is also keen to strengthen other areas of his squad.

In particular, he has been eager to bring in competition and cover for Denver Hume on the left-hand side.

Asked what the pursuit of Bajamich meant for the potential deal to bring in Graham, Parkinson told The Echo :"It all depends on the age of players coming in,” Parkinson said.

"Obviously if it's an U21 player, they don't count towards the salary cap in terms of the wages and also the squad number.

It would be ideal if one of the places we were able to bring in was an U21 player, because then it would mean we could bring in an extra senior player into the squad."

Parkinson is hoping that Arbenit Xhemajli will be able to feature against Aston Villa U21s on Tuesday night.

The defender has signed a two-year deal but is still awaiting international clearance from the Swiss FA.

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