Monday 18 July 2016 09:48, UK
We look at the areas Sunderland need to strengthen in the summer transfer window.
It's an uncertain summer for the Black Cats, with Sam Allardyce among the contenders to be the new England manager, but what have they done so far? And who are the possible targets?
We examine the situation at the Stadium of Light with the help of manager quotes and expert views.
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Steven Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Steve Harper (released), Wes Brown (released), Danny Graham (Blackburn, free), Santiago Vergini (Boca Juniors, £0.77m)
Sunderland's most pressing area in need of strengthening is up front. Jermain Defoe top scored with 18 goals for last season but no one else got more than five. The former Tottenham striker turns 34 in August, and the need for support is obvious. The Black Cats also need defensive reinforcements, with Allardyce eager to sign a left-back.
However, with Allardyce interviewed by the FA for the vacant England manager position, and with a decision to be made 'this week', Sunderland have understandably been slow in the market so far.
Sunderland are keen on Diafra Sakho, the striker Allardyce managed at West Ham. They have already had an £11m offer turned down, but the Senegal international has handed in a transfer request at Upton Park. The Black Cats were hoping to sign Inter Milan defender Davide Santon, but they will have to look elsewhere after the move fell through last week. They have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic.
Allardyce has admitted his patience at Sunderland's lack of signings is "wearing thin", but he is still determined to bring in a number of new faces. "We want to improve the squad with two, three or four players as quickly as we possibly can," he said. "It's been a huge demand trying to find those players, but we'll continue that until we're successful."
"I think Sam Allardyce was very clever in January, he knew that he needed defensive reinforcements and he did that and did it very well. That was the difference for them, he went out a bought the players that the team needed.
"I think Jermaine Defoe will need some help up front. He had a phenomenal season last year and he's still one of the best finishers in the Premier League, but another thing Allardyce will want in the team is more pace which means they can get up and support Defoe a little bit quicker.
"He could possibly strengthen in the wide areas to get that service and get the balls into the box. He may also bring in a player to support Defoe."
