TONY MOWBRAY claims Sunderland will be casting their net ‘far and wide’ as they look to secure an attacking replacement for Ellis Simms before the end of the month.

The Black Cats’ transfer plans were thrown upside down at the weekend as Everton made the surprise decision to recall Simms from his season-long loan at the Stadium of Light.

There is a chance the 21-year-old could be made available again at the end of the month if Everton are successful in their own transfer activity over the course of the next four weeks, but for now, Sunderland’s recruitment team are working on the assumption that they will have to negotiate the second half of the season without their former number nine.

With sporting director Kristjaan Speakman overseeing transfer operations, the Black Cats have sounded out a number of Premier League clubs about potential loan additions to replace Simms, but while Sunderland have enjoyed considerable success in the top-flight loan market this season, with Amad Diallo also having starred since joining from Manchester United, Mowbray is adamant they cannot afford to focus on just one area.

Potential signings from the Football League are also being assessed – Peterborough United’s Jonson Clarke-Harris is understood to be under serious consideration – while Mowbray and the rest of the recruitment team have also been poring over a series of scouting reports from overseas.

“It has to fit the criteria of what we need,” said Mowbray, whose side return to action in an FA Cup third-round tie at Shrewsbury Town at the weekend. “If we need an out-and-out number nine then that's what we need and we'll be looking really hard, but the net has to go a lot further than just the Premier League.”

Nevertheless, another loan addition would be an understandably appealing proposition given the financial constraints Sunderland are working within, and Mowbray is confident the Stadium of Light is an attractive destination for top-flight clubs looking to loan out some of their most talented youngsters.

As well as overseeing the development of Amad and Simms this season, Mowbray also helped nurture the likes of Harvey Elliott and Tosin Adarabioyo during his time in charge of Blackburn Rovers.

“I think playing in front of 40,000 is a fantastic base for a Premier League team to know their players can deal with pressure and playing in an environment that is pressurised,” said the Black Cats boss.

“Historically, I feel clubs generally would give us that chance, and I say us meaning my coaching staff and I, because I think they understand we enjoy working with young players and trying to develop them and make them better. So, I don't see that we wouldn't be a good option for any club.”