Sunderland have 'strong interest' in Scottish midfielder Scott Fraser, according to Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith.

After failing to gain promotion to the Championship via League One, Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson is under increasing pressure to deliver at the Stadium of Light.

The 52-year-old coach has already added some new faces to his side with the signings of Bailey Wright and Aiden O’Brien, whilst Tom Flanagan signed a new deal to remain at the club.

Interest in a number of other targets has also emerged with Danny Graham and Matija Sarkic linked in the press, whilst a talk linking the Wearsiders with a move for Fraser has also been reported.

Fraser, who had spent the last two seasons with Burton Albion, opted to turn down a new contract at the Pirelli Stadium this summer.

Quizzed on Sunderland's interest by fans during a weekly Q&A session with Sunderland Echo, Smith said:

"There’s definitely been a strong interest.
"He has an excellent record in terms of producing goals and assists at this level, which would offer the manager a different option to what he currently has in central midfield.
"The question is what his options will be in the aftermath of the salary cap introduction and whether Sunderland can realistically compete.
"There’s been Championship interest in him and at 25, it’s a big move for him at a time when his stock has never been higher.
"I suspect he’s one of many who will be assessing (and perhaps reassessing) his options.
"From Sunderland’s perspective, for the reasons I’ll outline in the answer below, I suspect they will currently be making a few different plans to be right across whatever happens in the next few weeks." Having played regularly for Burton, the 25-year-old netted an impressive five goals and gained 11 assists in 30 League One appearances this term.

Like much of Sunderland's transfer business this summer, the English Football League's salary cap will need to be taken into consideration and if Championship sides are keen on Fraser, it may be that the Black Cats are priced out of a move.

Little moves have been made since the confirmation of Bailey Wright and Aiden O'Brien's deals and you have to think that Phil Parkinson needs to get a move on.

Pressure is mounting on his shoulders to deliver and the summer months will go a long way to determining how well his side get on next term.

What do you make of Phil Parkinson's summer signings so far? Let us know in the comments section below...