Leeds, Ipswich and Bristol City eye Sunderland outcast

Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Bristol City are all tracking Matthews, who joined the Black Cats from Celtic for £2million in the summer.

But the Gazette understands Matthews is unlikely to leaving the Stadium of Light before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

It is understood Sunderland would only be willing to let Matthews leave if they could secure the services of another right-back on loan, an area Sam Allardyce has looked to strengthen this window.

Matthews could leave on loan in a week though when the emergency loan window opens for Football League clubs.

Matthews is fit again after an ankle injury and played in the recent behind-closed-doors ‘friendly’ against Newcastle United.

Overall though, the Welsh international has endured a miserable time on Wearside since arriving from Celtic, with the 24-year-old not featuring for the first-team since August.