Sunderland AFC transfer news: Blackburn Rovers midfielder Richie Smallwood on radar as clock ticks down to deadline

Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty remains an option on loan, while Shrewsbury Town midfielder Ollie Norburn is an option for a permanent move though the League One club are under no pressure to sell.

There has been reported interest in Manchester United midfielder James Garner, 18, while Blackburn Rovers’ Richie Smallwood is the latest name in the frame.

However, the Black Cats are not the only club to be keen on the midfielder.

Blackburn’s Championship rivals Wigan Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Barnsley have all been credited with an interest in the midfielder.

A central midfielder and a left-back are the two priority areas for Parkinson, with another forward depending on outgoings.

When quizzed on transfers after the goalless draw with Doncaster Rovers, Parkinson said: “We are working towards a couple more additions, if we get the ones we want, great, if not we will stick with what we have got.

“If the right ones we can get deals done then we will look to add quality.”

A return to the North East could prove attractive for Smallwood, who was born in Redcar and started his career at neighbours Middlesbrough before loan spells at Rotherham and Scunthorpe United.

Smallwood signed a permanent deal at Blackburn in the summer of 2017.

The 29-year-old has found game time limited this season making just two appearances so far, both in the EFL Cup.