Portsmouth, Hibs and Aberdeen-linked Bailey Wright not in Sunderland squad for FA Cup trip to Fulham

The 30-year-old – who has been linked with a January move to the Blues, Hibs and Aberdeen – has not been included in Tony Mowbray’s set-up for their trip to Craven Cottage amid growing speculation about his future.

New Pompey head coach John Mousinho has openly spoken of his admiration for the Australia international, whom he played with briefly at Preston.

On Thursday, he poured cold water on the centre-back arriving at Fratton Park before Tuesday transfer deadline by claiming the defender was set to remain at the Stadium of Light.

Yet Mowbray later insisted he wouldn’t stand in the defender’s way if he had options on the table.

Now Bailey’s absence from the Sunderland squad will increase talk of a possible move away from the north east.

Bailey has made just 17 appearances for the Black Cats this term but has been a regular on the bench when not in the starting XI.

The former Bristol City man was initially brought to the Stadium of Light by Lee Johnson, who is now is charge of Hibs.