According to several reports, discussions between Sunderland and Rangers over a loan transfer for Greg Docherty have hit a snag, with Charlton Athletic since emerging as favourites for his signature.
Last week, the Scottish Sun reported that the Black Cats were set to see off competition and sign Docherty on a deal until the end of the season.
However, on Monday, multiple sources suggested that a move to the Stadium of Light was now unlikely.
Sky Sports football reporter Keith Downie, who specialises in coverage of the North-East, claimed not only that the Gers fringe player’s move was ‘in doubt’, but that Sunderland had already turned their attentions to Shrewsbury midfielder Ollie Norburn.
However, a collapse in negotiations with Sunderland is unlikely to mean that the 23-year-old will be stuck kicking his heels at Ibrox.
There’s been plenty of interest in him from south of the border, and Charlton are now seen as frontrunners for his signature.
Rangers club insider account, Four Lads Had a Dream, tweeted earlier on Monday afternoon, to claim that Lee Bowyer’s side had ‘launched a bid’, before a Scottish Herald report asserted that the London club were now ‘leading the race.’
Verdict
This is a surprising twist given that Docherty to Sunderland appeared all but done last week.
Transfer business with Charlton may be hard to stomach for some Bears, too, given Lee Bowyer’s disrespectful comments about the Gers during the summer.
However, while Sunderland may be a bigger club with a bigger following, Charlton are playing in the Championship and a move there would present a real test for Docherty.
Given that they have just lost Conor Gallagher, who was recalled by his parent club Chelsea, there’s a spot open in the midfield which could ensure the ex-Hamilton player gets the kind of game time he’s severely lacked so far this season.
