With the transfer window slamming shut in just eight days' time, the Sunderland rumour mill is hotting up.
And across the last 24 hours, three players have been linked with a move to Sunderland and manager Phil Parkinson is expected to field questions about them in his press conference this afternoon.
Here is a round-up of the latest Sunderland AFC transfer stories.
Will Vaulks
Sunderland are in the market for a new midfielder and had been keen on a move for the Wales international.
But according to our sister title, Wales Online, Cardiff City are reticent to let him leave the club in this transfer window.
Vaulks had fallen out of favour under previous Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock and had contemplated leaving the club on loan this month because of his lack of game-time.
However, sources close to the club claim that new boss Neil Harris values him too highly to leave the club and sees him as an important member of his squad moving forward.
Matt Smith
The young Manchester City midfielder has struggled for game-time at QPR so far this season and London Football News claim both Sunderland and Ipswich are monitoring his availability this month.
City are concerned about his lack of game-time and are considering recalling him from Loftus Road in order for him to move elsewhere on loan during the second half of the season.
Liam Boyce
Sunderland remain keen to sign the Burton Albion forward and Brewers boss Nigel Clough confirmed yesterday that they have rejected two bids for the Northern Ireland international this month.
The Black Cats face competition from Scottish Premiership side Hearts and the Edinburgh Evening News claim they will 'accelerate their efforts' to sign the 28-year-old after seeing an initial bid rejected.
Boyce has six months remaining on his current deal at the Pirelli Stadium.
