Sources: Sunderland close to signing new defender
Sunderland are close to signing a new central defender, Football Insider understands.
The League One promotion contenders are in the market for a centre-back going into the final hours of the January window.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that, despite being without a manager following Lee Johnson's sacking, Sunderland are confident of bringing in a new central defender before the 11pm deadline.
On Sunday (30 January), the Black Cats announced the dismissal of Johnson and his assistant Jamie McAllister.
It comes after a dismal 6-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday in which Sunderland's defensive frailties were exposed.
The Wearside club have already signed one centre-half in this window.
Danny Batth, 31, arrived on a free transfer from Stoke City and put pen to paper on an 18-month contract.
He scored an own goal in Saturday's defeat.
His partner at the University of Bolton Stadium, Callum Doyle, also struggled.
Doyle joined on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City and enjoyed a superb start to life at the club.
However, his form has been inconsistent in recent months.
The north-east side also boast Tom Flanagan and Bailey Wright as centre-back options.
However, the Sunderland hierarchy believe another centre-half is necessary after watching Saturday's loss.
The Black Cats have completed four signings in the January window thus far.
Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts have joined on six-month deals from Tottenham and Manchester City respectively.
Batth and Trai Hume have joined on permanent deals.