Sunderland are looking to reunite Phil Parkinson with his former Bolton goalkeeper Remi Matthews, according to East Anglian Daily Times.
While the Black Cats have already missed out on one of Parky pets, with Jay Spearing opting instead to return to the Wirral with Tranmere Rovers, it seems that another is in their sights.
It is no secret that Sunderland are scouring the market for a new number one after Jon McLaughlin was lured away by the prospect of a title charge and European football by Rangers.
While Wolves prospect Matija Sarkic has been linked, Matthews would represent a far more experienced option having represented Plymouth Argyle, Burton Albion, Doncaster Rovers and Bolton in the third tier of English football.
EADT reports that Parkinson would love to work with Matthews again on Wearside.
The 26-year-old, should he sign on the dotted line, will be installed as the club’s new first-choice ‘keeper above Lee Burge.
League One rivals Ipswich Town are interested too. But, with the Tractor Boys seeing Matthews as a back-up option behind Tomas Holy, Sunderland’s offer is surely the more tempting.
”We are very pleased that Remi has completed his move. He’s a young keeper who brings real quality for the number one shirt and it’s great to have him up here,” Parkinson said after signing the 6ft glovesman from Norwich a year ago.
Matthews is a free agent after leaving Bolton earlier this summer and would become the third player to join Sunderland for absolutely nothing during the current transfer window, following in the footsteps of Aiden O’Brien and Bailey Wright.
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