Sunderland hone in on two key transfer targets as Phil Parkinson eyes permanent signings

Sunderland are still in the hunt for January recruits - with Phil Parkinson targeting permanent additions.
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The Black Cats have already finalised deals for Kyle Lafferty and Bailey Wright during the window, with the latter agreeing a half-season loan deal.

And while Parkinson is still targeting temporary signings - with Rangers’ Greg Docherty a player on his radar - there is a desire to secure permanent deals in the next nine days, with an attacking player and midfielder viewed as key targets for the remainder of the window.

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One player whom Parkinson is an admirer of is Burton Albion’s Liam Boyce.

Oliver Norburn is a potential option for Sunderland AFC in the transfer marketOliver Norburn is a potential option for Sunderland AFC in the transfer market
Oliver Norburn is a potential option for Sunderland AFC in the transfer market

The Northern Irish international has netted 14 times already this term, and is attracting interest from both Sunderland and Hearts.

Nigel Clough confirmed on Wednesday that he had knocked-back two bids for the forward, with Football Insider claiming that the Scottish side have now matched the Black Cats’ bid for the 27-year-old.

There has also been talk of a permanent move for Shrewsbury Town skipper Oliver Norburn - and reports in Shropshire suggest Sunderland aren’t the only club keen on the Grenada international.

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Norburn signed a new, long-term contract with the Shrews last summer though, with manager Sam Ricketts keen to fend off any interest in his captain.

Another target under consideration is Antoine Semenyo, who Parkinson admitted was on his radar in December.

The teenage striker is also interesting Doncaster Rovers, but parent club Bristol City are unlikely to sanction an exit until they bring in attacking reinforcements of their own.

The Robins were confident of signing Eddie Nketiah earlier this month, only for Arsenal to opt to retain the striker.

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Any move for Semenyo would be a loan deal, as too would any agreement with Rangers for midfielder Docherty.

Parkinson held initial talks with the Ibrox side over the 23-year-old midfielder last week, but Sunderland’s interest is reported to have hit a buffer over his parent club’s desired wage contribution.

Charlton and a host of Championship and League One sides are also keen, but it’s the Addicks who remain favourites to land his signature having shown an early interest in the former Shrewsbury man.