Phil Parkinson reacts to rumours linking Sunderland with Manchester City swoop

The Welsh international is currently on loan at QPR but, with his opportunities at Loftus Road limited, reports suggested he was attracting interest from both the Black Cats and Ipswich Town.

But Parkinson has denied that Smith is a target for Sunderland this month, and when quizzed on the rumours simply said ‘no.’

Sunderland are in the market for a central midfielder this month, with concerns mounting over the depth of the club’s options in that area.

Shrewsbury Town’s Ollie Norburn is one target, with the Black Cats having enquired about his availability, while Rangers’ Greg Docherty is also under consideration.

Reports in Scotland suggested that Sunderland’s move for Docherty had collapsed, but Parkinson confirmed earlier this week that the club remained in the hunt for the 23-year-old.