Sunderland handed double transfer blow as loan deals hit the rocks

The Black Cats have been monitoring Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty, with Phil Parkinson confirming last week that ‘initial chats’ had been held with the Scottish giants over a half-season loan move for the 23-year-old.

But fresh claims from the Glasgow Times suggest that Charlton Athletic are now leading the race for Docherty, who shone on loan at Shrewsbury Town last term.

They claim that the Black Cats have failed to strike a deal with Rangers over the deal, having offered a wage contribution that was deemed not enough by the midfielder’s parent club.

That leaves the Addicks in pole position to land Docherty, although former club Shrewsbury also remain keen.

Docherty’s Rangers teammate Jamie Murphy was also loosely linked with the Stadium of Light after being told he could leave Ibrox this month.

But the two-time Scotland international has now agreed to join League One rivals Burton Albion on loan for the remainder of the campaign – much to the surprise of manager Nigel Clough.

“e can’t quite believe we have got him, but we are absolutely delighted,” said the Brewers’ boss.

“When we heard he was down to go out on loan we made an enquiry but to get a player from Rangers of Jamie’s quality is brilliant.

“The fact that we have worked with him before and that we get on well with his agent has helped.”

Sunderland are closing-in on new faces, however, with a move for Bristol City defender Bailey Wright at an advanced stage.

The Australian international is understood to be completing a medical on Wearside ahead of a move to the Stadium of Light, with a deal having been agreed with parent club Bristol City.

Sunderland also remain keen on Burton Albion striker Liam Boyce, who is out of contract in the summer.

One player unlikely to be heading to the North East, however, is Cardiff City midfielder Will Vaulks. The Daily Mail claimed the Welsh international was on the radar of the Black Cats, but it is believed that Parkinson is pursuing alternative targets.