Report: Sunderland want Antoine Semenyo and Ben Alnwick

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Sunderland are hoping to sign Antoine Semenyo on loan from Bristol City, according to a report from The Sun on Sunday (29/12; page 55), while Ben Alnwick is also on Phil Parkinson’s radar.

January looks set to be a crucial month for the Black Cats. They go into Sunday’s clash with Doncaster 15th in the League One table.

Sunderland are not out of the play-off race by any means, but they desperately need to turn their fortunes around as soon as possible. They have not won any of their last nine games in all competitions.

The Sun on Sunday (29/12; page 55) reports that Parkinson has the funds to make three or four signings in January.

And it is suggested that he is hoping to win the race to land Semenyo from the Robins. The 19-year-old has made nine appearances for Lee Johnson’s men in the Championship, but he has not started a game since October.

Meanwhile, the report suggests that Alnwick is also a target. The 32-year-old is a free agent after leaving Bolton this month and could be offered the chance to return to the Stadium of Light almost 15 years after his debut for the club.

Alnwick was signed by the Trotters while Parkinson was in charge. And he did win the club’s player of the season award while they were in the Championship.

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Parkinson looks to be under a lot of pressure heading into January. There is a lot of discontent on Wearside right now and some of the fans are really doubting whether he is the right man to take the club forward.

It remains to be seen what the board make of Parkinson’s future. But should their winless run continue, you could understand why some would deem their moves in the January window to be his last throw of the dice.