Örgryte director confirms interest in Michael Parker amid Sunderland, Celtic and Rangers links | OneFootball

Örgryte sporting director Pontus Farnerud has acknowledged interest in defender Michael Parker, who has been linked with Sunderland, Celtic and Rangers.

“Yes, there is interest in Michael. He has a profile and possesses qualities that make him attract interest, but at the moment all focus for both Michael and Öis is the match against Kalmar FF ( on Sunday).” he told Fotbollskanalen on Saturday.

He declined to comment on whether the Swedish club had received a firm bid. The 21-year-old, formerly of West Bromwich Albion, has impressed with Örgryte IS.

Sunderland are yet to make a signing this summer, and have confirmed the departures of Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traore and Niall Huggins at contract end. Harrison Jones has joined Peterborough United, Nazariy Rusyn has moved to Karpaty Lviv and Milan Aleksic has gone on loan to Partizan. Eliezer Mayenda is close to joining Rennes in a deal reportedly worth around £21.5m.

They face a clear need to strengthen as they prepare for a first Europa League campaign after last season’s seventh-placed Premier League finish. They are guaranteed at least eight games in the league phase, which could pit them against the likes of Juventus, AC Milan and Olympique Marseille.

Source: Sunderland Echo