SHREWSBURY TOWN do not want to make a decision over the future of Sunderland target Oliver Norburn until they have taken on Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Black Cats completed their second signing of the month yesterday when Bailey Wright completed a season-long loan from Bristol City, but Phil Parkinson remains keen to add another couple of players to the ranks, with a midfielder a key priority.

Parkinson turned to Norburn when Sunderland officials were unable to reach an agreement with Rangers over Greg Docherty, and the initial indications are that Shrewsbury could be willing to move on the 27-year-old if a deal can be agreed.

The Shrews have made a midfield addition of their own this month, with Josh Vela having signed on a permanent basis from Hibernian, but their manager, Sam Ricketts, wants to keep disruptions to a minimum this week as he prepares his side for a glamour cup tie against Liverpool.

The runaway Premier League leaders visit Montgomery Waters Meadow on Sunday afternoon, and Ricketts is keen to shelve any decision over Norburn’s future until the start of next week.

Norburn is one of a number of midfield targets currently being considered by Parkinson and the rest of his coaching staff, with Cardiff City’s Will Vaulks another potential option.

Wright’s arrival from Bristol City was finalised yesterday, with the centre-half available to make his debut in Friday night’s televised home game with Doncaster Rovers.

The Australia international won promotion from League One with his previous club, Preston, and is hoping his experience could prove invaluable as Sunderland look to force their way into the automatic promotion spots in the final three-and-a-half months of the season.

“I’ve played League One football before and I’ve been promoted out of League One,” said Wright, who has made just three Championship appearances for Bristol City this season. “I’ve had a few chats with the gaffer and what he wants to build here and what he is building excites me.

“It’s something I want to be part of. Then there’s how big a club this is, people live and breathe football here. For me, that will be amazing to play in front of every week and be part of. I want to be part of a successful football team, that’s why I’m here.”

Wright will be battling with Jordan Willis, Tom Flanagan, Alim Ozturk and Joel Lynch for a place in Sunderland’s first-choice back three, and having paid close attention to the club’s performances in the last few weeks, the 27-year-old accepts he can take nothing for granted despite his proven track record in both the Championship and League One.

“I’m coming here to earn that shirt, but I’m not expecting to have anything,” he said. “I’m here to earn it, and the team is on a great run of form, results and performances.

“I’ve been following Sunderland closely since I first found out about the interest, and it’s good to see the team doing well. I’m here to compete for places, and push others and others push me. It’s exciting, and hopefully we can keep pushing on.”