Black Cats boss gives Diamond, Graham and Xhemajli update
we're interested in.
“Without going over old ground, with the financial constraints we're in, we've got to get the best players available within the salary cap realm.
“He's one of a few we're looking at, there are a few others.
“The squad is decent, we know we're not yet there yet but we're piecing it together.” One player who did feature against Carlisle was talented youngster Jack Diamond, who Parkinson confirmed would be staying with the first-team group this season.
Diamond thrived on loan at Harrogate Town last season, but Parkinson says he has intention of loaning him out again.
While Diamond played in a wing-back role against Carlisle, Parkinson said he was still looking at adding cover in that position before the transfer window shuts in October.
“With Jack, he had a good season for Harrogate,” Parkinson said.
“It was a great progression for his career, they think a lot of him and rang me a lot to take him back.
“But there's no way he is going anywhere.
“He's getting better all the time.
“He's learning that wingback role but he's an outlet, he's got pace and he can go past people each way.
“There's work to do, it's a step up for him but I think he can bridge that gap.
“We are still working at the wing-back area, but these youngsters have been a bonus for us.”
Parkinson added that a crop of youngsters, including Diamond, Dan Neil, Elliot Embleton and Brandon Taylor, were emerging as ‘bonus options’ ahead of the new League One season.
Sunderland face Harrogate Town in their final friendly on Saturday.