Sunderland have reportedly joined the race to sign Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty on-loan for the rest of the season, according to STV.

The central midfielder had spent last season on-loan at Shrewsbury and made 50 appearances for the side before returning to Steven Gerrard’s squad in the summer.

At present, Docherty is yet to make a first-team appearance this season in the league under Gerrard, with just Europa League qualification games and cup matches his action at senior level.

It’s been a tough campaign for him so another loan move will most likely be on the cards for Docherty, and STV are now reporting that Sunderland have joined Charlton Athletic in making an approach to take him on-loan from Ibrox for the rest of the season.

In 50 appearances for Shrewsbury last term in all competitions, Docherty managed to hit double figures in both goals and assists, with 10 goals and 11 assists.  

Phil Parkinson is in the market for a number of players this month after joining in October, as he looks to mould his squad towards what he wants, in the hope of a promotion push in League One for the second half of the season.

The Black Cats are on a strong run of form that has seen them climb to within just one point of the play-off places and will be looking to continue that in the coming weeks.

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The Verdict

A move to the Championship in Charlton might be more lucrative for Docherty but there is no guarantee of regular playing time, whereas there is far more chance of that at the Stadium of Light, given the inconsistency their side has shown this season.

Parkinson is beginning to turn things around on Wearside and this transfer window will play a huge part in how he gets on for the rest of the season. This move could also be a big part of how the window goes.