Sunderland are hoping to make progress in their bid to sign free agent Bailey Wright this week, while fellow defender Brandon Taylor is set to sign a new contract at the Stadium of Light, according to the Chronicle.
With the new third tier season creeping into view, the Black Cats are now facing a race against time as they look to build a potentially promotion-winning squad once again.
Phil Parkinson’s side were denied a play-off place on a points-per-game basis when the 2019/20 campaign was curtailed, consigning the Wearside giants to a third successive season in League One.
If Sunderland are to ensure this is ‘third time lucky’, then signing a proven, Football League centre-half would represent one giant step in the right direction.
Wright played five games on loan at Sunderland from Bristol City last season.
And it is no coincidence that the north east outfit produced the best performances of the year with the experienced Australian in the starting XI, keeping clean sheets in four of those five matches.
Wright is now a free agent after his contract at Bristol City expired and, according to the Chronicle, Sunderland are pressing ahead with their plans to sign him on a permanent basis this week.
The Echo reported back in April that the former Preston ace was happy and settled on Wearside and would jump at the chance to return.
Highly-rated academy graduate Taylor could perhaps forge a formidable partnership with Wright at centre-half next season too, with Sunderland expected to finally end the doubts surrounding his future with a new, long-term deal.
TEAMtalk reported recently that Everton, Leicester City and Southampton were keen to take Taylor to the Premier League.
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