Sunderland's pursuit of Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty doesn't seem to be easing up anytime soon, as we head towards the conclusion of the January transfer window. 

It had previously been claimed by the Scottish Sun, that the Black Cats were interested in striking an agreement with the Scottish giants, although it remained to be seen as to what stage they were at in terms of negotiations.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference (quotes sourced from the Sunderland Echo) ahead of their game against Doncaster Rovers, Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson issued an update on their pursuit of the Rangers midfielder.

"Greg is one of a number of players we have been looking at. We have made contact with Rangers but Greg has other options as well."

"It's not completely dead but at this stage there are many players that we've spoke to clubs wise and agents wise and Greg is one of those."

Docherty spent last year's campaign on loan with League One side Shrewsbury Town and put in a number of impressive performances, as he scored ten goals and provided 11 assists for his Salop team-mates at the time.

The clock is ticking for Sunderland to get this deal over the line though, with the deadline for any deals being set on Friday 31st December.

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The Verdict: 

They need to do all they can to secure a deal for the Rangers midfielder.

Time is running out for Sunderland in this month's transfer window, and I think they could certainly benefit from having a player of Docherty's quality in their side.

He scored ten goals and was on hand to provide 11 assists for Shrewsbury Town in League One last season, so that shows that he's more than capable of doing the same with a Sunderland team that arguably have better players in their squad.

I think he would prove to be the missing piece in Sunderland's promotion jigsaw if they landed his signature.