SUNDERLAND have made a formal approach for Swansea City full-back Declan John as they look to make at least one more signing in the final two days of the transfer window.

The Black Cats climbed back into the play-off places last night as Charlie Wyke’s header secured a 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers, and Phil Parkinson is hoping to complete a successful week with the capture of John.

A senior Wales international, who has made five appearances for Swansea this season, John would provide competition for Denver Hume at left wing-back if he was to move to Wearside on loan for the remainder of the season.

He moved to the Liberty Stadium from Rangers in the summer of 2018, but has been unable to make an impact under Steve Cooper this term.

“He’s someone we have inquired about,” said Parkinson. “He’s similar to Denver in terms of his pace and being a real outlet on that side. He’s someone we’ve asked about.”

As well as looking to recruit John, Parkinson will spend the next couple of days fielding calls about some of his own players.

Will Grigg has been the subject of sustained interest this week, but his reluctance to drop down to League Two means Sunderland have rejected loan offers from Bradford City and Salford City.

Grigg is adamant he does not want to drop down to the fourth tier, but while there have also been approaches from clubs in League One, Parkinson remains adamant he does not want to loan the Northern Irishman to one of Sunderland’s promotion rivals. As result, he insists he will be happy if the £4m man remains on Wearside beyond Friday night.

“Will is a goalscorer and a great lad,” said Parkinson. “He's not a problem. He's frustrated it hasn't gone better for him since he's been here.

“If he's here past Friday, great, we look forward to working with him. If something comes up, then we'll have a chat. 

“There's a couple of League Two sides and a couple in the lower reaches of League One who've expressed an interest.

“It's difficult when you've got a game, we've been talking today as a staff but we wanted to get the game done. We'll have a good chat on the coach and then reconvene tomorrow.”