Sunderland are keeping tabs on Preston full back Joe Rafferty, according to reports.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon took to Twitter to inform Black Cats fans that they were keen on bringing the 27-year-old defender to Wearside in a potential loan deal.
Rafferty can play at both full back and wing back on either side and North End are a fan of his versatility.
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However, the Lancashire Post has poured cold water on the transfer rumour, suggesting that a loan move to Wearside would nor appeal to the player or club.
Preston are keen on keeping Rafferty - who is in the final year of his contract - at the club, and would look for a fee if the Black Cats were to lure him away from Deepdale.
He was one of seven players who came on as a second-half substitute in North End's 1-0 win against Celtic.
Rafferty joined PNE from Rochdale in January 2019 and has made 64 appearances in league and cup.
Sunderland have also been linked with a move for Middlesbrough full-back Hayden Coulson, who has fallen out of favour with Neil Warnock.
It's believed a loan move would suit both parties.
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