TRANSFER NEWS: Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia will consider recalling Paul McShane from his loan at Hull if he fails to strengthen his defence during the current transfer window, while Bolton manager Gary Megson has ended his interest in trying to sign Joey Barton.

Sbragia is eager to bring in new faces, with McShane - on a season-long loan  with Hull - an option should all else fail.

"It's no secret that I need defenders, but that doesn't necessarily mean having to buy anyone," said Sbragia.

"George McCartney (ankle) has a chance of coming back in two weeks' time, and we have Paul McShane on loan, so there might be a thought of bringing him in.

"I'd like to add another one, but we know Paul is there so he's a possibility. There are another couple of players we're thinking about, but if it doesn't happen, we have him."

Megson claims he has ended his interest in Joey Barton. The club have had a £2million (€2.2m) bid rejected for the Newcastle midfielder, who is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury.

Megson said: "We move on. Joey is a good player and a former England international.

"But he has certainly had his problems. There is an amount we would go to and that's it. We would not go any further."

Meanwhile Megson's problems are mounting ahead of the meeting with Manchester United on Saturday.

Gavin McCann broke a toe in the defeat by Arsenal at the weekend while Johan Elmander (hamstring) and Nicky Hunt (foot) are also receiving treatment for injuries.