Sunderland braced for bids after clubs show interest in midfielder

The midfielder has enjoyed a productive loan spell at League Two side Grimsby Town, netting three times for the Mariners since penning a half-season loan deal on deadline day.

He played the full 90 minutes as the Blundell Park outfit – now managed by Ian Holloway – claimed a 1-0 win over Mansfield Town.

And with his deal having expired today [Saturday], Parkinson has revealed that he is set to join the Black Cats when they return to training at the Academy of Light on Tuesday, January 7.

“He’s going to be back with us on Tuesday,” said the Sunderland boss.

“I’ll have a good chat with him this week and it’ll be good to see him in training.”

Parkinson remains unsure, however, whether the 23-year-old will form part of his first-team plans in the coming months.

Indeed, he has confirmed that while Grimsby have not yet made contact with the Black Cats regarding an extension of the six-month loan deal, other clubs have been quick to enquire about his availability.

The Sunderland boss, though, is keen to fully assess his options before deciding on Robson’s future – with the midfielder facing a crucial few months, with his current deal on Wearside set to expire in the summer.

“He’s coming back with us, certainly for the time being,” added Parkinson.

“Grimsby haven’t made contact with us anyway about extending it. Obviously they’ve got a new manager.

“There have been other calls about his availability, but I want to chat with Ethan and have a look at him in the next week or so in training and decide where we go with him.”

Robson failed to feature for the Black Cats in the early weeks of the season having sustained an injury, meaning he could be loaned out to another club should Parkinson decide his future lies elsewhere.