Phil Parkinson reveals Sunderland transfer stance on free agents

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Phil Parkinson could yet make another addition to his Sunderland squad.

Parkinson signed Wolves youngster Dion Sanderson on deadline day, a highly-rated defender capable of playing on the right or in the centre of defence.

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However, he remains short on cover and competition on the left flank, which has been brought into sharp focus by a knee injury for Denver Hume.

Lynden Gooch deputised superbly for Hume on Saturday, producing the assist for the opening goal with a cross on his left foot for Charlie Wyke.

Sunderland loanee Dion SandersonSunderland loanee Dion Sanderson
Sunderland loanee Dion Sanderson

Parkinson, though, has some scope to bring in another option as Sanderson, aged 20, does not count towards the prohibitive salary cap restrictions.

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"The reason why Dion was such a good signing for us is because he's an U21 player and doesn't count towards the salary cap,” he said.

"Finding those players is not easy. So there is still some scope, which is nice to have under our belts.”

The Black Cats boss is hopeful that Hume will return to the side soon, with Crewe Alexandra visiting the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.

“Denver did some running on Friday,” Parkinson said.

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“He just hyper-extended his knee and it swelled up a bit. It's a knee he's had problems with before and we weren't going to risk it because we know Goochy can do a job there, which he certainly did today.

“We don't think Denver will be too far away.”

Sunderland will send Jordan Willis for an X-ray to determine the severity of the injury which forced him off at The County Ground.

That injury underlined the importance of Sanderson’s arrival, though both Jack Diamond and Conor McLaughlin performed well in his absence on Saturday afternoon.

“It was crucial [to sign Sanderson],” Parkinson said.

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“He's a good player who is going to add something to the team and the squad.

“I'm pleased we managed to get him.

“We needed him before Jordan's injury but even more so now.

“As I've said, throughout the season there are going to be injuries and suspensions. The squad has got to be strong enough to cope with that and I think we're getting there.”