Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson has revealed that he is looking to sign a free agent centre back, following news of an injury setback suffered by Bristol City loanee Bailey Wright.

It was revealed earlier this week that Wright could be out for up to 12 weeks with an ankle injury suffered in the Black Cats' 1-0 win at Oxford United last week.

With that injury potentially keeping Wright out for the rest of the season, Parkinson has confirmed that he will examine the free-agent market in search for some cover in the centre of Sunderland's defence in the next few months.

So who could Sunderland bring to the Stadium of Light in order to fulfil that role?

Here, we look at three centre backs currently without a club who could be worth considering for the League One promotion chasers.

Tommy Smith

One option with plenty of experience who could be worth considering for Sunderland, is Tommy Smith.

The 29-year-old, who made almost 250 Championship appearances for Ipswich 2008 and 2017, has recently been training with the Tractor Boys following his departure from MLS side Colorado Rapids at the end of 2019.

It was reported during the January transfer window that Championship strugglers Wigan and Sunderland's promotion rivals Portsmouth were interested in the centre back, suggesting there is still a belief he has something to offer in England, but with no move materialising, the opportunity for the Black Cats to swoop still appears to be there.

Marc Wilson

A familiar face to both Sunderland and Parkinson who could be an option here, is Marc Wilson.

The Republic of Ireland international made 22 appearances in all competitions during one season at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland were relegated from the Championship during the 2017/18 campaign.

Wilson spent the following season playing under Parkinson at Bolton, as they too suffered relegation to League One amidst a backdrop of off-field problems, and the 32-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Wanderers last summer, despite being heavily linked with another Championship side - Luton Town - back in August, suggesting he too could still have something to offer.

Tommie Hoban

Something of a wildcard option who could be worth considering for Sunderland, Hoban has been without a club since his release by Watford at the end of last season.

Injuries hampered the now 26-year-old's chances of really making an impact with the Premier League club, and also had an impact on loan spells the defender experienced with Blackburn Rovers and Aberdeen.

Despite those fitness issues, Hoban did show plenty of potential and ability during his time in the Championship with Rovers in particular, something which Sunderland could still benefit from should they be able to get him fit, although there may be a question over whether they can afford to take a risk on a player with a history of injuries given their own current situation.