Sunderland hopeful on Bailey Wright future with defender set to stay on Wearside

Bailey Wright is expected to re-sign for Sunderland despite interest from clubs in his native Australia, according to reports. More than two A-League clubs are interested in bringing him back to his homeland but Wright has decided that it’s not the right time to return Down Under.

The defender was offered a new deal after Sunderland secured their return to the Championship last month. Lynden Gooch and Patrick Roberts have already put pen to paper by signing news contracts and Wright is expected to follow suit with his current contract set to expire on July 1.

The 29-year-old, who recently guided Australia to qualification for this year’s World Cup with a narrow win over Peru, will return to Wearside in the next couple of weeks to sign a new deal.

Wright struggled to pin down a regular place under his former boss Lee Johnson but has become a crucial figure as part of a back-three under current manager Alex Neil.

This will come as good news for Sunderland supporters considering their limited options in defence. Callum Doyle has returned to Manchester City following the end of his season-long loan and Arbenit Xhemajli has been released.

Danny Batth is the only senior centre-back currently at the club and Neil is in the market for further reinforcements at the back. One player that the Black Cats are hoping of bringing to the Stadium of Light is Arsenal’s Dan Ballard.

Sunderland have placed a formal offer with Arsenal officials but also face competition from fellow Championship outfits Blackpool and Millwall.