Sunderland are unlikely to sign Robbie Gotts on loan from Leeds United this transfer window with Phil Parkinson now prioritising defensive signings, according to the Northern Echo.

The Black Cats have started this season fairly well in League One and are unbeaten in four games so far.

They'll be looking to add to their defensive options in the final days of the window, though, with injuries striking the club, as per the report.

And that has apparently led to the club cooling their interest in Leeds youngster Gotts, with that potentially a boost, in turn, for the likes of Charlton and Lincoln.

Alan Nixon reported yesterday that both League One sides, as well as Swindon, are in the race for Gotts:

And, with Sunderland now focusing elsewhere, it could be one of the trio that manages to sign him up.

Quiz: Can you identify these 10 ex-Sunderland players by looking at these hidden images?

The Verdict

A loan needs sorting for Gotts so he can continue learning and improving as a player.

The Whites have got some fine players coming through but now they are in the Premier League it is understandable that they are struggling to get game time this season.

Naturally, then, loan deals stem from that and perhaps we'll see Gotts get a move before the deadline on Friday.