LEE JOHNSON is adamant he does not want Bailey Wright to leave Sunderland in the final week of the transfer window.

Wright’s future has been the subject of considerable conjecture throughout the summer, with the centre-half having been heavily linked with both a move to Wigan Athletic and a possible return to his Australian homeland.

The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with the Black Cats, and has not started any of Sunderland’s opening four league games, but while Johnson is aware of the external interest in the centre-half, he does not want him to leave this month.

“I’ve got zero appetite to lose Bailey Wright,” said Johnson, who watched his side climb to fifth in the League One table as they beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0 at the weekend. “Bailey has just had a beautiful little baby, and he’s only got a year left on his contract and there was interest, so naturally that’s going to spark up a thought process about where his future lies. But I’ve personally been extremely consistent in the desire to keep Bailey.

“He’s got to get in the team and play well, and then hopefully we can extend his contract. It’s as simple as that. I’ve seen the best of Bailey Wright, and obviously we’ve got to see that as much as possible, and I think we have this season. I think he’s had a good pre-season under his belt, a good off-season, and he’s worked hard with his injuries. He’s trusted as captain of the club.”

With Niall Huggins’ move from Leeds United having been completed on Friday night, Sunderland’s incoming business for the window is just about complete.

Ideally, Johnson would like to bring in another forward, and he is also continuing to monitor options in the full-back positions, but he is happy with the way his squad is shaping up.

That could change if senior players leave, but while Will Grigg could make a permanent departure before the window closes next Tuesday night, most of the exits in the next eight days are likely to be loans.

Jack Diamond is set to be one of the players leaving on a temporary basis, with the 21-year-old having failed to make Sunderland’s 18-man squad for Saturday’s game.

“It’s something we’ve discussed with Jack,” said Johnson. “We’ve talked about a loan. I do believe that to develop a player, you need 25 starts throughout the season, whether that’s Under-23s, first team or a loan.

“We’ve had quite a few offers for Jack on loan, and people showing interest. We’re also potentially in the market for that type of position. You’ve got Josh Hawkes as well, and he’s done well."