Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Cats miss out on striker deal as Bailey Wright joins Rotherham on loan

So with less than eight hours remaining until tonight’s 11pm deadline, let’s run you through what has happened on deadline day so far and what to look out for.

As expected Sunderland have completed the signing of defender Joe Anderson from Everton on a three-and-a-half year contract.

The Black Cats have agreed a similarly-structured deal to many of their additions over the last eighteen months, with a modest initial fee (undisclosed) that will grow over time if player and club thrive.

Anderson’s arrival could allow Bailey Wright to leave Wearside before the end of the day, with Championship club Rotherham reportedly showing interest in the 30-year-old centre-back.

Mowbray said last week he wouldn’t stand in the defender’s way if a move became available.

The priority for Sunderland before tonight’s deadline is of course bringing in at least one more striker, whether that is Ellis Simms or another option.

As previously reported a decision on Simms, who trained with Everton this morning, will ultimately rest with the Premier League club who are frantically looking to bring another attacker before the end of today.

It seems like Everton’s stance on Simms may depend on the Premier League club strengthening their forward options before the deadline.

The Toffees are frantically trying to bolster their attacking options but are set to miss out on targets Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu - who both look set to sign for Southampton.

It’s now being reported by the Daily Mail that Everton are showing an interest in Reading frontman Lucas Joao as they search for a late addition.

Former Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore has completed his move from Middlesbrough to Millwall for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old could make his Lions debut against Sunderland at The Den this weekend.

Football Insider are now reporting that Bailey Wright is set to join Rotherham United on loan until the end of the season.

Sunderland are willing to let the defender leave and gain more first-team football after making just six Championship starts this season.

The arrival of Joe Anderson means the Black Cats are well stocked at centre-back, with Daniel Ballard, Danny Batth, Aji Alese and Luke O’Nien also competing for places.

Here’s what head coach Tony Mowbray told Sunderland’s website following the signing of defender Joe Anderson earlier today:

“Joe fits the profile of player we want to keep adding to the club and we look forward to supporting his development in a senior environment.

“The talent and potential is there and although he may need time to develop physically in the next weeks and months, he will add immediate competition and depth to our squad.

“A left-footed, left-sided central defender, which is a rarity, he can distribute the ball well from the back and connect defence with midfield – he is going to be a real long-term asset for the club.”

It’s been confirmed that Sunderland’s FA Cup replay against Fulham at the Stadium of Light will take place next week on Wednesday, February 8 and be shown live on BBC One.

The winner of the match will face Leeds United at home in the fifth round.

Ticket details will be announced by the club in due course.

Rotherham boss Matt Taylor gave an interview with the club’s website at around 5:30pm this evening, while The Millers are believed to be finalising a deal to sign Bailey Wright on loan from Sunderland.

Taylor said: “We still have a bit of business left to do.

“Hopefully it won’t go right to that deadline of 11 o’clock tonight, hopefully we have a few hours to spare.

“We had a couple of players we thought we agreed deals for verbally yesterday, they fell through.  We have a couple more on the horizon as we speak right now but things can change quickly in football, we have seen that previously.”

Asked which positions the club are still looking to strengthen, Taylor replied: “Certainly in a defensive capacity and then in the midfield area.”

While the transfer window is set to slam shut at 11pm this evening, Sunderland could have an extra two hours in which to finalise the details of any further incomings or outgoings.

As per EFL rules, the Black Cats and their league rivals can be given until 1am to complete the deal - providing the club has submitted a ‘Deal Sheet’.

These sheets provide details of the impending transfer and confirm that an agreement has been reached, before providing clubs with extra time in which to submit all the required documentation.

The details required on this sheet are fairly basic, including the clubs and player involved and fee being paid, if there is one.

Deal sheets cannot be requested until 9pm on transfer deadline day and then must be submitted, fully completed, by 11pm.

Once received and approved by the EFL, clubs can then be granted permission to submit all the required transfer paperwork by a 1am deadline.