PHIL Parkinson expects Sunderland to bolster his team’s firepower before this Friday’s transfer deadline, even if it is not necessarily a new striker that arrives through the doors.

As the Black Cats work on offloading Aiden McGeady before the window closes at 11pm on Friday night, Parkinson has made no secret of the fact he wants at least one – probably two – more additions.

What can be done is likely to be affected by whether McGeady is successful in striking a deal to leave, although Parkinson still fully expects to get one more through the doors after tonight’s game at Tranmere.

Rangers winger Jordan Jones is believed to be one of those on the radar, with Steven Gerrard happy to let him leave Ibrox this month amid interest from the Championship too. Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo is a known striker who Parkinson is keen to have on loan, although that would depend on Will Grigg leaving.

“There is another option for that front three we have,” admitted Parkinson. “For that No 9 we have Kyle Lafferty, Grigg and Charlie Wyke, who is doing really well. Something could happen, you never know. One call can change things.

“Grigg has attracted some attention because of his scoring record, Aiden we have had calls about but not personally. Not imminent.

“When we took the decision we wanted to give Aiden plenty of time to sort something out, things can go to the wire and for whatever reason that does happen sometimes. We are still hopeful it will happen but it is out of my hands.

“It does help (if he leaves) but it is out of my hands. We are just focused on the players we could bring in to help us. I think Aiden wants to play football. If the right opportunity came up he would take it.”

Sunderland have already signed Kyle Lafferty, Bailey Wright and, most recently, Josh Scowen this month.