Sunderland want five more signings before big kick-off

Sunderland aim to add at least five more signings before the League One campaign kicks off.

The understands that the Black Cats want to sign two new strikers, two central defenders and possibly another central midfielder this summer.

Bolstering the club’s striking options is the priority with Bradford City striker Charlie Wyke and Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp high on the wanted list.

But we also understand that the club is looking to bring in two more central defenders ahead of the assault on League One.

Sunderland have already added defenders Alim Ozturk and Tom Flanagan, who can play in either full-back position or centrehalf. The duo started the 1-0 friendly defeat to Darlington in midweek. Sunderland are looking to further enhance their defensive options with the arrival of two more centre-backs. Lamine Kone is expected to leave the club this summer.

The Ivory Coast defender has reported back for pre-season training, but, after making clear that he wants to leave the club, manager Jack Ross has decided not to use him in the upcoming games. He was not involved at Darlington.

Speaking after that game, Ross said: “He [Kone] doesn’t want to be here. I’m going to be entirely blunt about it. That’s where we’re at and that’ll be an ongoing process as well.”

The new campaign kicks off against Charlton in just three weeks and Ross wants to see an improvement in the second pre-season friendly against Hartlepool United this afternoon.

“It will be very much a reverse from Tuesday in terms of personnel,” he explained.

“The guys who only got 30 minutes will get the best part of an hour, but I think we need to be better in several aspects.

“We’re trying to get a lot of information across to the players in a short period of time, but they know, as well as I know, that Tuesday was a long way off where need to be at for the first league game.”