Sunderland transfer deadline day - How it happened: One defender in, one out, no striker

Sunderland appear to be set for a busy transfer deadline day with a couple of crucial gaps in the squad to fill.

You can follow along with it right here on Sunderland Nation. Simply click refresh to get the latest updates as they happen.

19:55 - Fresh Ellis Simms hope?

Any Ellis Simms deal was always going to depend on what Everton could do, and they may have finally made a move for a striker.

🚨| BREAKING: Andre Ayew is in advanced negotiations with Everton.

[via @lequipe]
— Everton Extra (@Everton_Extra) January 31, 2023

Worth noting, though, that Everton can sign Ayew outside of the window, so it won't create any time pressure. Still, can't hurt...

19:35 - Defender departure confirmed

After exclusively revealing the deal on Sunderland Nation this morning, Bailey Wright has now completed a move to Championship strugglers Rotherham.

Good luck Bailey! Full story and Kristjaan Speakman quotes below.

CONFIRMED: Bailey Wright leaves Sunderland to join Rotherham

19:20 - Looks like Bailey Wright deal is done

😍 | Hello again, old friend.

⚠️ Please drink responsibly #rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProud pic.twitter.com/W9AvaTeBMs
— Rotherham United (@RotherhamUnited) January 31, 2023

17:45 - Ellis Simms blow?

It's no secret that Ellis Simms remains Sunderland's top striker target, but any deal will be dependent upon Everton getting their own signings in first.

That's looking unlikely now, though, with the BBC reporting it's appearing that their January business is done.

16:25 - Sunderland set for (another) Watmore reunion

Sunderland have already played against Duncan Watmore twice this season, but there will be a third reunion now after he joined Saturday's opponents Millwall.

🫡 𝗗𝗨𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟

Duncan Watmore joins #Millwall on Deadline Day!
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 31, 2023

14:35 - Bailey Wright looks like he's on his way

Following our exclusive that Bailey Wright was being targeted by Rotherham, Sunderland Nation understands a loan deal is now agreed.

It's looking likely the Australian will spend the rest of the season at New York Stadium.

12:50 - Anderson says hello

It's very quiet out there on potential incomings, but the one new arrival that has been confirmed has said hello to the fans.

Delighted to have signed a long term contract with @sunderlandafcofficial an amazing club with the best fans ! Ready to get started 🔴⚪️ https://t.co/VPWTHDDxIp
— Joe Anderson (@joewa10) January 31, 2023

11:25 - Simms training with Everton

If Sunderland are close to an Ellis Simms breakthrough, it doesn't look like it from Everton's social media.

They posted pictures of him training today, although he looks like he may be away from the main group.

Things can change very quickly on deadline day, of course.

Sunderland transfer target Ellis Simms pictured training at Everton on deadline day. Posted by the club an hour or so ago.#SAFC | #EFC pic.twitter.com/zMAE8Qgd5y
— James Copley (@JamesCopley_) January 31, 2023

10:45 - Ross Stewart injury news

Not a transfer, but Sunderland have apparently been handed a major boost on the Ross Stewart injury front.

Turns out he is not going to be out for as long as first feared.

STORY: Sunderland receive major Ross Stewart injury boost following scan

10:25 - More on Anderson...

Have Sunderland landed a real 'rarity' in Joe Anderson? Tony Mowbray certainly thinks so.

STORY: Tony Mowbray says Sunderland have found a 'rarity' in Joe Anderson

10:05 - Anderson arrives!

The first deal of the day is conformed and it is an expected one. Joe Anderson has joined on a long-term deal from Everton.

CONFIRMED: Sunderland sign Joe Anderson from Everton on permanent deal

🥁 Introducing our latest recruit... #AndersonArrives 👋 pic.twitter.com/hSC9T1efFs
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 31, 2023

9:00 - Bailey Wright set to leave?

Sunderland defender Bailey Wright has been a wanted man throughout January, but nothing has piqued his interest.

Will a move that keeps him in the Championship tempt him, though? Rotherham are keen.

EXCLUSIVE: Championship club make late move to sign Sunderland defender

7:30 - What names to watch out for on deadline day

Chances are that Sunderland will surprise us. Here are a few names to keep at least a loose eye on, though, albeit a couple of the speculatively.

However, we can already check on of those names off, with Josh Onomah headed to Preston. He was one of the speculative ones.

Sunderland transfer deadline day: Five names to keep your eye on

7:15 - Anderson says his goodbyes

One player we are expecting today is Joe Anderson. Sunderland Nation broke the story over the weekend that he was in talks with the Black Cats over a permanent switch, and that should be concluded pretty quickly today.

He has already said his goodbyes to Everton and spoken of his 'excitement' about the move.

Joe Anderson 'excited' as he looks forward to Sunderland challenge