Sunderland are reportedly confident in signing defender Bailey Wright on a permanent deal at the end of the season according to the Sunderland Echo. 

Wright is currently on loan with the Black Cats from Championship side Bristol City, and the defender has made a positive impact at the Stadium of Light.

The 27-year-old has made five appearances for Phil Parkinson's side in all competitions this season, but hasn't featured since February, after he picked up an ankle injury against Oxford United.

There were fears that the injury would see him miss a large section of this year's campaign, but after recent off-the-field events brought a halt to fixtures across the EFL, Wright is in line to come straight back into the Sunderland team when the sporting calendar gets back underway.

Sunderland are currently sat seventh in the League One table, but are just three points adrift of the automatic promotion places heading towards the conclusion of this season.

We look at THREE reasons why Sunderland's reported transfer decision on Wright's future is the correct call.

A minimal fee will be involved. 

Wright is out-of-contract at the end of the season with Bristol City, and it seems unlikely that he'll be signing a new deal with Lee Johnson's side.

So, he'll be available for free in the summer, which would make him a solid addition for a number of teams.

Sunderland will be confident that they can strike an agreement with the defender though, who has been hugely impressive for the Black Cats in League One this season.

Wright has experience in the Championship. 

The 27-year-old has been a regular for both Bristol City and Preston North End in the last five seasons of his career, which has been played in the Championship.

Therefore, Wright is somewhat of a coup for Sunderland, who are currently playing their football in the third tier.

So, if Sunderland are to win promotion into the Championship this season, then you have to feel as though he's more than capable of playing in the second tier next term.

He's a player that has made a positive impact with Sunderland. 

Wright might have only made five appearances for Sunderland this season, but he's shown a 'cool head' in the heart of the defence for Phil Parkinson's men.

Sunderland have won four out of the five matches that Wright has featured in, whilst also keeping four clean sheets in those matches, which makes for impressive reading.

He'll be hoping that he can pick up where he left off when competitive action returns later this year.