SUNDERLAND have completed the permanent signing of Max Power – and are hoping to seal a loan deal for Celtic defender Jack Hendry.

Power initially moved to Wearside on a season-long loan from Wigan Athletic, but Sunderland officials triggered a clause in the midfielder’s contract yesterday that enabled them to push through a permanent deal.

Power, who has played an influential role at the heart of the Sunderland midfield this season, is now contracted to the Stadium of Light until 2021.

His new deal is the first development of what could prove to be a busy January window on Wearside, with Jack Ross hoping to have a new defender on board by the start of next week.

The Black Cats boss is keen to secure another right-sided defensive option, and is hoping to persuade his Celtic counterpart, Brendan Rodgers, to loan Hendry for the remainder of the campaign.

A centre-half who also boasts experience of playing at right-back, Hendry joined Celtic in a £1.5m move from Dundee 12 months ago.

The 23-year-old has made 25 senior appearances for the reigning SPL champions, but his most recent first-team outing came in October and Rodgers is keen for him to gain experience elsewhere in the next few months. A three-time Scotland international, Hendry has previously had loan spells at Shrewsbury Town and MK Dons.

Portsmouth and Bradford City have also been linked with a possible loan deal, but Ross enjoys a close personal relationship with Rodgers and the pair are understood to have had talks this week.

Ross is not involved in the ongoing discussions over Josh Maja’s proposed new deal, with executive director Charlie Methven leading talks with the striker’s representatives.

Maja, who is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, has been given until Friday to decide whether to accept Sunderland’s offer of a new contract, although Ross has said he will continue to select the striker regardless if he feels he merits a place in the side.