Rotherham United join transfer battle for Sunderland defender

Wright could be allowed to leave on loan before the January 31 deadline.

Derby County, Aberdeen and Hibernian have also been credited with an interest along with Portsmouth.

The 30-year-old played a key part in the Black Cats’ promotion from League One last season but has started just six league games this year.

According to The Scottish Daily Express, Aberdeen are among a number of clubs who are interested in a loan move for Wright, who signed a new two-year contract last summer.

Sunderland do now appear well stocked at centre-back, with Daniel Ballard, Danny Batth, Aji Alese and Luke O’Nien providing competition along with Wright.

Plus new signing Joe Anderson, from Everton.

Tony Mowbray says Anderson is going to be a ‘real long-term asset’ for the club.

Anderson has become Sunderland’s fourth signing of the January window and their first on deadline day, signing a three-and-a-half year deal to complete a permanent switch from Everton.

The Black Cats have agreed a similarly-structured deal to many of their additions over the last eighteen months, with a modest initial fee (undisclosed) that will grow over time if player and club thrive.

Mowbray says that Anderson will add depth on the left side of Sunderland’s defence and has said that he expects 21-year-old to be a player who develops into a regular over time.