Sunderland AFC transfer news round-up: Cats plot double deal for Burnley youngster and ex-Hull City man

Duo Nathan Harker and Justen Kranthove have also recently featured for Sunderland’s under-23 side on trial and, according to reports, Harris and Hamilton are now on their radar as this exhaustive recruitment drive gathers pace.

Hamilton is a free agent, having been released by Hull, while Clarets-owned Harris saw a loan spell at Warrington Town cut short ahead of a potential move to Wearside.

Elsewhere, a former Sunderland right-back has likened Aiden McGeady to a former Middlesbrough star and England international.

After being frozen out by new manager Parkinson, McGeady swapped Wearside for London, joining Charlton in the Championship during the January transfer window.

On arrival, the Republic of Ireland international winger was reunited with former Blacks Cat teammate Adam Matthews, who joined the Addicks after his contract at Sunderland expired last summer.

And after Lee Bowyer’s men slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Blackburn at The Valley, Matthews spoke about McGeady, who featured for 69 minutes of the clash before he was replaced by Macauley Bonne.

“You saw glimpses today of what he can do. He’s a bit low on game time but I’m sure that will come in the next few matches,” said the 28-year-old.

“He is similar to [Stewart] Downing – he has played at a high level his whole career. That can only help as we’ve got a young squad,” the Wales international concluded.