PHIL PARKINSON has revealed that Kyle Lafferty is on Sunderland’s list of targets after it emerged the striker has been on Wearside for talks.

The 32-year-old front-man is a free agent after a spell in Norway and has spoken this week of his desire to return to Hearts.

But Sunderland have attempted to bolster their forward line by targeting the Northern Ireland international, and he was at the Academy of Light on Tuesday to discuss a move.

Parkinson is looking at strengthening the Sunderland squad after allowing midfielder Dylan McGeouch to head to Aberdeen permanently. Burton striker Liam Boyce is another on the radar.

“I don’t think outs will be too busy. Dylan has gone to Aberdeen,” said Parkinson. “Ins we are closing in on a number of targets. We have quite a list of targets, if we don’t get the first one we want we have other options.

“As ever we are competing with other clubs for those players. If the front player we feel can improve us is available then we will try to bring one in.”

He added: “Kyle is one of a number of players we have been speaking about as a staff, he is a free agent and he is on our list.

“Liam is under contract with Burton, he is a good player, scores goals at this level, but it is more difficult for us to speak about because he is under contract.”

Asked for an update on Aiden McGeady’s situation in light of the winger training with the Under23s, Parkinson added: “There’s been no firm enquiries to me about Aiden. I would imagine things will pick up in that area next week.”

Parkinson has been assured by the club’s owner Stewart Donald that he will still be backed in the transfer market despite an intention to sell Sunderland.

The Sunderland boss said: “What he has said publicly, he has said he is 100 per cent behind us improving the squad in this window. He is fully committed to doing the work he has done. He has said he is willing to sell the club, but while he is here he will do what he can to help us.”

Sunderland face leaders Wycombe on Saturday on the back of a five match unbeaten run. They have no fresh injuries but there has been a bug around the training ground.

Parkinson said: “There’s nothing major. There has been a bit of illness around the building. Joel Lynch missed loads last week, Luke O’Nien has been off the early part of this week. There is quite a bit going around.”