Sunderland FanNation reports that Portsmouth are currently leading the race to sign Sunderland defender Bailey Wright.
League One club Derby County were also credited with an interest in the defender by The Daily Record, while Scottish side Hibernian are also keen on a move which would see Wright reunite with former boss Lee Johnson.
The Australian defender has only featured 17 times for the Championship club this season, coming off the bench in their win over Middlesborough in their last fixture. His lack of appearances, however, has not deterred potential suitors interest.
Despite being a key figure in the side that saw promotion from League One last season, he has failed to get ahead in the pecking order to start, with the likes of Daniel Ballard joining from Arsenal in the centre-back department.
With 18 months left on his deal, the club are not actively seeking out an exit for the 30-year-old, however, they are willing to listen to any offers on the table for the player and will not stand in his way, and at this current time, it is looking like he will be making his way to Fratton Park.
Our Verdict
Wright is an experienced defender with good leadership qualities and could certainly lead from the back in a team like Portsmouth. His experience last time out in League One which saw them move up to the Championship is certainly something needed in a struggling Portsmouth side, that has spent many seasons optimistic of making their way up the divisions.
One selling factor that could sway Wright towards Portsmouth could be the recent appointment of John Mousinho, who the 30-year-old knows well from his time with Preston North End at the beginning of his career.
For Portsmouth though, promotion remains to look a stretch out of reach for the club, however, a late push for the playoffs may not be off the cards with the club currently having three games in hand. If promotion was to be missed out on this season, however, Bailey Wright could be a key part in guiding them towards that goal next season.
Portsmouth fans, do you think Bailey Wright is the man for your club?
