WANDERERS were last night putting the finishing touches on a deal to sign ex-Stoke City utility man Marc Wilson.

The Republic of Ireland international was close to becoming Phil Parkinson’s sixth signing of the summer and underwent a medical yesterday.

Wilson has played in the Premier League for Portsmouth, Stoke City and West Brom and turned down offers to stay in the top flight to sign on a free transfer for Sunderland last summer.

The 30-year-old utility man was not alone in having a wretched season at the Stadium of Light, as the Black Cats slumped to a second successive relegation, and he was released at the end of the campaign.

Wilson played the majority of his 17 games for the club at left-back but can fill in on either side of the defence and play as a holding midfielder.

The former Manchester United youth teamer has 25 caps and one goal for his country and has appeared in two FA Cup finals, for Stoke and Pompey.

He is seen as a replacement for Derik Osede, who was released at the Macron in June and is reportedly on the verge of a move to Spanish club Oviedo.

Wanderers are understood to be continuing their pursuit of Bradford City striker Charlie Wyke despite reports he could be out for the next six weeks with a knee problem.

Sources at Valley Parade played down the severity of his injury yesterday, insisting he would be back running next week but was likely to miss the first game of the season.

Meanwhile, former Wanderers defender Dorian Dervite has signed a two-year deal with Charleroi in Belgium.

The 29-year-old was released at the end of the season after three years with Bolton, where he made 99 appearances and scored two goals.

Wanderers’ home game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, October 6, has been moved to a 5.30pm kick-off after being chosen for broadcast on Sky Sports.