Sunderland and Wigan to battle it out for defender before deadline day - reports

The Black Cats are sweating on the full extent of an injury suffered by defender Arbenit Xhemajli while training on international duty, it remains unclear how serious the injury is but the Echo understands he could be facing several weeks out.

It would be a further blow for Sunderland who are already without Morgan Feeney after he suffered a hamstring injury and is facing up to four months out. Tom Flanagan will also serve a one-game ban after the international break.

With Sunderland playing a back three, Phil Parkinson’s options would therefore be severely limited.

Sunderland have been credited with an interest in Tilt, the 29-year-old joined Rotherham in January but his chances have been limited.

Wigan are also said to be monitoring his situation, according to the Sun, ahead of Friday’s teatime deadline.

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