Grayson: We have targets in mind to boost squad

Simon Grayson insists Sunderland have targets lined up should he lose any of his key players – as work continues to bolster the squad.

Sunderland have added seven new faces and the club is braced for a busy couple of weeks, with the potential for further outgoings and incomings before August 31.

Grayson says any club would be “foolish” not to have replacements lined up.

There has been interest in Didier Ndong (pictured) from Lyon, while Lamine Kone and Wahbi Khazri have been subject to transfer speculation.

Leeds are set to lose star striker Chris Wood to Burnley and Grayson, in the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Leeds, was asked if Sunderland were prepared should they lose any key players.

“Everybody would be foolish not to have replacements lined up on a list of targets you have for positions right the way through the team,” he said. “If we lose X, Y or Z, we know certain players are available. Others might become available between now and the end of the window. We would be foolish not to have targets and we are not foolish.” When asked whether the Leeds defeat showed the need for reinforcements, Grayson said: “We will be stronger two, three weeks after the window shuts because of players who will be available that are already on our books.

“(Bryan) Oviedo is making good progress and will be around the squad (at Carlisle on) Tuesday, Rodwell will and Watmore and McNair are coming back. Having those four players out of your squad can leave a hole in it. We will have more strength in depth, with players coming back and hopefully one or two additions along the way as well.”

Grayson reiterated that his remaining business isn’t totally reliant on selling players firs.

“There is money to go and bring a player or two in,” he said. “What I have to make sure is we don’t get the wrong player in, just for the sake of it.

“Plenty want to come and have been offered to me, but not the level of quality that I want. I want people that will really affect the starting lineup or just on the outskirts.”