Paul Sturrock remains hopeful he can finalise a deal to bring Sunderland defender Russell Anderson to Plymouth on a permanent basis.

Scottish defender Anderson impressed greatly during the final three months of last season on loan at Home Park as the Pilgrims narrowly missed out on a top-six finish.

Sturrock has already held preliminary talks with his agent and Sunderland boss Roy Keane about signing Anderson and remains optimistic that a deal can be concluded.

"We've stated our interest in Anderson and have left things for the time being with his club and his agent, "said Sturrock. "Hopefully, a decision will be forthcoming soon, one way or the other.

"It's often difficult to get a speedy response to your requests at this time of the year with players and agents away on holiday."