‘We're in the mix, and there's been a lot of support from board level’

Lee Johnson says Sunderland are 'in the mix' for further reinforcements after Frederik Alves was recalled by West Ham United.

Sunderland brought in Linfield defender Trai Hume for a six-figure sum last week, and remain 'active' for reinforcements in other positions.

Attacking additions would be particularly welcome, particularly given that Ross

Stewart is currently the only senior striker available for selection.

"It's a difficult question because things change at the drop of a hat," Johnson said.

"You're in the mix for players but there's fierce competition.

"We're in the mix and we're active, and there's been a lot of support from board level to do the right things.

"The reality is that we've just got to make sure whatever we do is right for the short, medium and long term.

"I'm comfortable with the squad and happy with the squad, though of course I'd like to improve it.

"We've got to keep driving on and moving forward, and that includes the evolution on the squad.

"We're in the mix, but we've got to see what happens."

Johnson admitted that Alves' limited gametime was in part due to the major impact Callum Doyle has made, with the Manchester City loanee playing almost every minute of the league games when he had been expected to gradually work his way into the side.

"I think the thinking was gametime," Johnson said of Alves’ departure.

"From his point of view it's been disappointing. The loan was done with good intentions, you take a player on loan from a Premier League club and we expect him to play.

"The consistency of results we've had, taking almost two points per game, the consistency of partnerships, the emergence of Callum Doyle who at 18 has played just about every minute of every game, which you don't expect from someone of his age, and a couple of senior players [playing well] on that right side, has just limited his gametime. From now, everyone benefits. We are able to put a little bit back in the budget to bring players in, West Ham have options, and Frederik takes the learnings from his loan and he'll be better for it. Sometimes it happens, but a lot of it is about freshening the squad up."