Who is Bailey Wright? The 'model professional' on Sunderland's January transfer radar

We take a closer look at the centre back:

Key Information

Age: 27 years old

Nationality: Australian

Position: Centre back

Club: Bristol City

What type of move could see him join Sunderland?

The move is reported to be a loan with Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson said to be willing to pay the defender’s wages.

Wright’s contract expires at the end of the season so could decide to stay at the Stadium of Light if his loan goes well.

Bristol City are reportedly willing to let Wright go with the 27-year-old falling down the pecking order at Ashton Gate.

Wright is City’s captain but has only played four games this season after suffering an Achilles injury in August and struggling to force his way back into the side.

What has been said about him?

Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson spoke glowingly about his captain after his return to the side in November, saying: “Sometimes Bailey Wright gets some unfair criticism from the support base - but let me tell you, he's one of the best professionals I've worked with and the best captain I've worked with and it's certainly good to see him in mind and body extremely fit.”

What kind of experience does he have?

Wright has plenty of League One experience, playing 121 games in for his first club Preston North End, where he was voted Young Player of the Season in 2012/13 before winning promotion in the 2014/15 season via the play-offs.

He then moved up to the Championship with Preston before moving to Bristol City in the January transfer window of 2017 and has made a total of 130 appearances in the competition.

Where can he play?

Wright has primarily been used as a centre-back throughout his career but has also played as a full-back at times in his career.

He has also operated in a back three as well as a back four which means that he is comfortable adapting to different formations.