^ CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE 4 BIGGEST EFL STORIES FROM THE DAY ^

With sides preparing for a full programme of EFL fixtures this weekend, here we highlight the four biggest EFL stories from the day....

Sunderland continue their search for a new manager, with former Bolton Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson now looking set for the job following talks with the Black Cats over the weekend, as confirmed on Chroncle Live.

Parkinson is available following his resignation from Bolton Wanderers in August and heads a shortlist believed to include former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson.

New Reading manager Mark Bowen has come out and strenuously denied that he played no part in appointing himself  as manager or was involved in the sacking of his predecessor Jose Gomes, as reported on Sky Sports.

Former sporting director at the Royals, Bowen confirmed that he was advised by the board that Gomes was to be sacked and was asked to prepare a list of replacements, following that he was then approached by the owners about taking on the managerial role.

Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has pulled off a bit of a coup by potentially landing former Barcelona striker Rodri subject to him passing a medical today, according to a report on Football Insider.

Rodri is available on a free transfer having being released by Granada in the summer following their promotion to La Liga and comes with an impressive CV including spells at Sevilla and Barcelona B.

Millwall are down to three candidates in their hunt for a new permanent manager with the shortlist including current caretaker boss Adam Barrett, current Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth and free-agent Gary Rowett, as reported in The Evening Standard.

The Lions are looking for a new boss after club legend Neil Harris left the club last week after four years in charge, with the club in 15th place in the Championship and with only one win in five.