Phil Parkinson targeting moves for Scott Fraser and Luke Garbutt as he continues his Sunderland overhaul

The Echo understands that both players are genuine targets for the Black Cats as Parkinson looks to build upon the additions of Aiden O’Brien and Bailey Wright.

But neither individual has agreed terms with the Black Cats, with both players having numerous options to consider.

Both Garbutt and Fraser are currently without clubs having left Everton and Burton Albion respectively, and have both admirers in the Championship and in League One.

Full-back Garbutt has spent the last two seasons on loan in League One – firstly with Oxford United and latterly with Ipswich Town - and has consistently been regarded as one of the best defenders in the third tier. He also scored against Sunderland in last season’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road.

Parkinson believes that Garbutt has the attributes and attitude to fit well into his system and has made the Harrogate-born defender a target as he looks to bring in some competition to rival Denver Hume.

Ipswich, who took Garbutt on loan last summer, remain interested in a permanent deal for the left-sided defender.

Fraser, meanwhile, has spent the last two seasons with Burton Albion but turned down the offer of a new contract at the Pirelli Stadium this summer.

He has regularly drawn plaudits for his performances under Nigel Clough having previously turned out for Dundee United in the Scottish top tier.

But the 25-year-old is also the subject of second tier interest after netting nine times for the Brewers last season.

Sunderland are prepared to be patient in their bid to bring in new faces, with Parkinson keen to ensure the right players are recruited as he looks to build upon the positive atmosphere that has been cultivated within the Academy of Light.

Parkinson is keen to bring in at least five more new players this summer, with a goalkeeper, centre back and attacking reinforcements high on his wishlist.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.