Phil Parkinson is a huge fan of reported Sunderland target Harry Brockbank

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Sunderland are reportedly interested in the services of Bolton Wanderers defender Harry Brockbank. The Sunderland Echo is reporting that the Black Cats have been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old talent. 

It is not the first time that Sunderland have been linked with Brockbank. In the summer, as reported by the Northern Echo, Sunderland ‘made a number of inquiries’ regarding a move for Brockbank from the cash-strapped Trotters. 

No deal ever went through but now Sunderland might have an advantage. 

That would be their manager. Jack Ross was in charge for the previous interest but now it is Phil Parkinson at the Stadium of Light helm. He worked with Brockbank at Bolton and handed him his debut for the club against Aston Villa back in April of last year.

Bolton lost that game 2-0 and were relegated to League One as a consequence. But Parkinson had plenty of praise for Brockbank when speaking to the Bolton Wanderers website. 

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“I thought Harry did really well. It was a tough game for him to come into.

“But he’s trained with the first-team, played well in the under-23’s and deserved an opportunity.

“He tired a bit towards the end, as you’d expect, but he was against a very good player and he didn’t look out of place and that’s great credit for him.”

Parkinson also handed Brockbank the Bolton captaincy at the start of the new season with the club operating with youth players due to their financial difficulties. 

Sunderland are currently on a great run of form which has propelled them back into the promotion picture in League One and Brockbank could be a useful addition in that promotion battle. 

Capable of playing in a number of defensive positions, the Parkinson favourite has spent much of this season out of action with a thigh injury. 

Sunderland will now be hoping they can pick up a fully fit Brockbank and allow Parkinson the chance to try and continue developing his talent.