What Sunderland target Luke Garbutt has said about his next move as Phil Parkinson eyes alternative targets

Luke Garbutt remains a target for Sunderland AFC – but Phil Parkinson is also considering alternative options as he continues his summer rebuild.
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The Black Cats’ boss is targeting a minimum of a further five signings this summer having already added Bailey Wright and Aiden O’Brien to his ranks.

And a priority area is on the left side of defence, where competition is required for Denver Hume.

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Garbutt, who spent time on loan with Ipswich Town last season, is one name being considered by Parkinson – but the player himself is keen to weigh-up his options before deciding on his next move, with second tier clubs as well as the Tractor Boys also retaining an interest.

Luke Garbutt is a summer target for SunderlandLuke Garbutt is a summer target for Sunderland
Luke Garbutt is a summer target for Sunderland

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times earlier this summer, Garbutt said: "The loan at Ipswich has been great for me and the fans have been brilliant.

"My agent will have discussions with Ipswich and multiple other clubs, probably, and we’ll assess it from there.

“The pandemic is probably going to change the course of football a bit and, right now, it’s hard to really say anything for sure about my future or where I’ll be. It’s too early on and I haven’t a clue. It’s all up in the air.

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“I will never close the door on the possibility of coming back to Ipswich on a permanent basis and it’s something I will definitely consider.

“But as a football player you want to try and play at the highest level you can do. I can’t really comment because I don’t know if there’s an offer on the table from Ipswich or any club for that matter. I can’t say anything.

“I’m a free agent so I’ll let my agent do the negotiations and the business side of it before I make a decision with my family about where I move next and the best football club for me.”

One other name under consideration is former Manchester United full-back Demetri Mitchell.

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The left-sided defender was released from Old Trafford earlier this summer and is currently training with the Black Cats in a bid to win a deal.

Mitchell has previously spent time on loan in Scotland with Hearts.