Rangers boss Steven Gerrard provides Greg Docherty update as Sunderland consider other midfield options

Phil Parkinson confirmed his interest in the midfielder last week but his chances of moving to the Stadium of Light have receded with the Black Cats considering alternative options as the hunt for midfield reinforcements continues.

Sunderland have enquired about Shrewsbury Town midfielder Ollie Norburn – who played alongside Docherty last season when the Rangers man was on loan - but that is as far as the interest has gone at this stage, the Gazette understands.

One player unlikely to be heading to the North East, however, is Cardiff City midfielder Will Vaulks.

The Daily Mail claimed the Welsh international was on the radar of the Black Cats, but it is believed that Parkinson is pursuing alternative targets.

Regarding Docherty, Gerrard says there is no shortage of interest in the midfielder.

He said: "Docherty is still about. The kid has got a lot of interest because of the success he had on loan at Shrewsbury.

"There's a lot of respect for Doc down in League One and also some in the Championship. He's got a few things bubbling away but nothing to report just yet."

Sunderland have so far added Kyle Lafferty and Bailey Wright to the squad, Wright signing on loan from Bristol City until the end of the season. Lafferty was a free agent.

Phil Parkinson is also looking to add another forward and cover at wing-back before the window closes.