Sunderland have made a move to sign Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty on loan, according to reports in Scotland.
The Black Cats have reportedly made an approach to bring the 23-year-old international to Wearside on loan for the remainder of the season, although Championship side Charlton Athletic have also expressed an interest.
Sunderland's League One rivals Peterborough United have been long-term admirers of Docherty but he turned down a move to London Road last summer, and has also rebuffed their attempts to sign him on loan this month.
Former Scotland U23 international Docherty appears to be on his way out of Ibrox and has been training separately to the first team squad.
He spent last season on loan at Shrewsbury Town and was named the club's player of the year, but since returning to Rangers he has barely figured for Steven Gerrard's side, making just a handful of senior appearances in the Europa League and Scottish League Cup - and he has not played first-team football since August.
Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson has already brought in one signing since the transfer window opened, with striker Kyle Lafferty - a former teammate of Docherty's at Rangers - joining on as a free agent.
But Parkinson is also known to be looking for another forward, a midfielder, and possibly a central defender as he seeks to reinforce his squad ready for a tilt at promotion.
Sunderland's form has improved dramatically since Christmas and the Wearsiders are currently in contention for the play-offs - and have also narrowed the gap on top two Rotherham United and Wycombe Wanderers to six points, and still have a game in hand on both.
