WITH the transfer window due to close at the start of next month, the next couple of weeks will be crucial as Sunderland look to complete their business. How are things shaping up with the transfer clock ticking?


Signed: Leon Dajaku, Dan Ballard, Jack Clarke, Aji Alese, Alex Bass, Ellis Simms


It has been a reasonably successful summer window for Sunderland so far, with six new additions as well as the re-signing of Bailey Wright, Lynden Gooch and Patrick Roberts.

Alex Neil still wants to do more business though, with the acquisition of another striker currently at the top of his ‘to do’ list given that Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms are currently his only senior options in attack.

Lengthy discussions over Nathan Broadhead came to nothing when last season’s loanee opted to join Wigan Athletic rather than return to the Stadium of Light, so Neil and the rest of Sunderland’s recruitment team are having to look elsewhere.

Manchester City’s Marlos Mareno, a Colombian who can play as a central striker or a wide attacker, is a loan target, although the Black Cats would face strong competition if they were to step up their interest in the 25-year-old, who has spent his summer training with French club Troyes, who are part of the City Football Group.

At the other end of the pitch, Sunderland officials have held discussions with League One side Morecambe over left-back Connor Pye. The 18-year-old, who is expected to move on imminently, would be signed as something of a ‘development project’, although he could find himself competing for a place in the first-team squad.

Neil will not be in a rush to lose anyone from his current group, although Jack Diamond will almost certainly be allowed to leave on loan if Sunderland recruit another forward. League One side Fleetwood Town are leading the chase for the 22-year-old, who has also been offered the opportunity to return to Harrogate Town.