Sunderland AFC news and transfer rumours: Phil Parkinson linked with managerial return as Liverpool striker joins League One rivals

Former Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson is one of the early names being linked with the vacant manager’s job at Port Vale.
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Vale sacked manager John Askey on Monday and are due to face Sunderland in the EFL Trophy next week.

Graham Alexander, who left Salford City last year, is the favourite to replace Askey and can be backed at 5/2 with bookmakers SkyBet.

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Parkinson is the fifth favourite for the job at 10/1, behind Frank Sinclair, Emile Heskey and Danny Pugh.

Former Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson.Former Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson.
Former Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson.

Forward joins Sunderland’s League One rivals

Sunderland were linked with Liverpool forward Liam Miller in the summer, yet the Canadian international wasn’t thought to be a serious target for the Black Cats.

The 21-year-old has instead joined the Wearsiders’ League One rivals Charlton on loan until the end of the season, after signing a new contract at Anfield.

Charlton are sixth in the League One table, three points ahead of Sunderland.

Ipswich in pole position to land winger

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Another player who was reportedly on Sunderland’s radar is Barnsley winger Luke Thomas.

Tykes boss Valerien Ismael has admitted the 21-year-old could be on the move this month, while League One clubs Oxford and Ipswich Town have also been credited with interest in the player.

Since then various reports have suggested Ipswich are in pole position to sign Thomas on loan.

The England Under-20 international, who has previously played for Cheltenham Town and Derby County, has made 20 appearances for the Tykes this season – but only seven of those have been starts.

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