Sunderland have been linked with a move for Bristol City’s Bailey Wright in recent days and Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie has revealed the deal could be completed on Monday.
What’s the latest?
Last week Phil Parkinson spoke of a potential deal being delayed by the selling club due to them sustaining an injury to one of their players, but suggested a medical for the incoming signing would take place early this week.
That aroused suspicion that the club and player in question could be Bristol City and Wright due to the injury to Nathan Baker in a Tuesday match against Shrewsbury.
The Black Cats’ boss also admitted the interest in the centre-back as well as the fact that the club were looking to complete the deal this week, which suggests it could only be a matter of time until Wright is confirmed as a Sunderland player.
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Tough competitor
The addition of an experienced and capable defender who has spent years playing in the Championship and on the international stage, even going to the 2014 World Cup, should be enough to excite anyone at Sunderland.
It is important Wright stays fit given he has played just four times for the Robins this season, but considering his career history he should be an upgrade on Jordan Willis and Alim Ozturk, neither of whom have played above League One standard.
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Perhaps more importantly, it is another step which allows Parkinson to pursue his apparent goal of changing the culture of the club and producing a winning mentality which will be integral in the promotion run-in.
His decision to remove Aiden McGeady from the squad has led to Sunderland’s best run of form this term with seven games unbeaten, and now the addition of a natural leader could also prove vital on and off the pitch.
Wright has captained Bristol City for two-and-a-half years and he often sets an example to his teammates, manager Lee Johnson lauding his “warrior spirit” – which could be a valuable asset for Sunderland.
In other transfer news, there is potential for another experienced player to join up with Sunderland in a move which may impress fans.
