Anderson hasn’t played a single minute of Championship action this season for the Black Cats and has only once been named in a matchday squad for a league game.

The 23-year-old played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup first round defeat to Preston in August but that remains his one and only start since joining from Everton two years ago this month.

He spent last season on loan at Shrewsbury and was expected to head out again in the summer but a move didn’t materialise.

Bristol Rovers and Exeter have now been linked with a move for the defender ahead of the deadline, while there’s previously been interest from clubs in Scotland.

It’s understood Sunderland wouldn’t stand in the way of a loan or permanent move for Anderson this month, with the defender clearly not featuring in the plans of boss Regis Le Bris.

Despite Aji Alese’s season-ending injury, Le Bris currently has Luke O’Nien, Chris Mepham and Dan Ballard battling for two places at centre-half, while Jenson Seelt is closing in on a first team return after playing for the Under-21s last week.

Leo Hjelde is comfortable playing at centre-half and left-back. And although Trai Hume is currently the only recognised right-back who is available, O’Nien has played there this season and the Black Cats still have high hopes for the future for Niall Huggins, who is currently working his way back from a serious knee injury.

Sunderland aren’t expected to strengthen their defence ahead of the transfer deadline, with the focus still very much on a versatile forward player.

Le Bris, though, has repeatedly pointed out………