Cats comment: With one week to trade, Sunderland must strengthen

One week to go.

Sunderland have six days in which to further strengthen as they look to build a team and squad capable of winning promotion this term.

The ongoing financial fallout and loss of revenue from the Covid-19 pandemic and the new salary cap proposals have meant clubs in the EFL have had to alter and strip back their transfer plans.

Sunderland have so far added six new signings but i t i s n o s e c r e t t h at m o re strength in depth is needed.

A l e f t- bac k i s a n ab s o - lute priority, while another attacking option with pace through the middle is needed.

There is room for permanent signings, while the loan market is set to hot up towards the end of the window as clubs further up the chain finalise their squad plans.

Sunderland have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, unbeaten after four games, two wins and two draws from a potentially tricky start to the fixture list, with trips to Oxford United and Charlton Athletic and the home game against Peterborough United.

Phil Parkinson is experienced enough to know he needs a strong squad with good options, and he is currently relying on left-back Denver Hume not getting injured.

Adding pace in the final third should also be a priority; Sunderland are creating chances but adding further pace will add another dimension, while the strikers need to start firing.

Speaking this week, Parkinson said: "There is an area or two that we'd like to be stronger and we'll do our very best."

Sunderland need to do just that if they are to be serious promotion contenders.

Last week saw the transfer window for international deals close, and the second, domestic transfer deadline is 5pm next Friday, October 16.

Players can still depart clubs after October 16 - providing the window of the buying club remains open.

S o hy p oth et i c a l l y, th at means that Sunderland could get some extra time to find a new club for the likes of Aiden McGeady if no offers are forthcoming by October 16.

P l aye r s c o u l d a l s o d e - part to the National League on loan during this period, though Parkinson has already stressed outgoings are unlikely at the Stadium of Light, bar McGeady, with Sunderland needing a strong squad for the challenge ahead.

For the Cats, the clock is ticking...