The latest transfer talk from Sunderland as an update is provided on the future of a reported Black Cats target.

A high ranking club official has delivered a major update on a reported Sunderland, Celtic and Rangers transfer target.

The Black Cats are yet to add to their squad during the summer transfer window - but they have confirmed the departures of Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traore and Niall Huggins after their contracts came to an end. Youngster Harrison Jones has made a permanent move to Peterborough United, Nazariy Rusyn has joined Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv and Milan Aleksic has secured a loan switch to Serbian outfit Partizan. Forward Eliezer Mayenda is also set to depart after moving to the brink of a move to French club Rennes in a deal that will reportedly net Sunderland around £21.5m.

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There is a clear need for Sunderland to add to their squad as they prepare for their first season competing in the Europa League on the back of last season’s seventh placed finish in the Premier League. The Black Cats are guaranteed to play at least eight fixtures in the competition after qualifying directly for the league phase of UEFA’s secondary continental competition and that could mean they face the likes of Juventus, AC Milan and Olympique Marseille.

A number of potential signings have been suggested and former West Bromwich Albion defender Michael Parker is said to be a target after the centre-back impressed during his Swedish club Örgryte IS. The likes of Celtic and Rangers have also been named as potential suitors for the 21-year-old in recent days and weeks - and one leading club official has revealed there is interest in Parker before stopping short of confirming if his club had received any official offers for his services.

Speaking on Saturday, Örgryte sporting director Pontus Farnerud told Fotbollskanalen: “Yes, there is interest in Michael. He has a profile and possesses qualities that make him attract interest, but at the moment all focus for both Michael and Öis is the match against Kalmar FF ( on Sunday).” Intriguingly, Farnerud a refused to comment when asked if Örgryte has received a firm bid for the defender.

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