SUNDERLAND are set for a busy close to the summer transfer window, with the Black Cats hoping to bolster their squad with more signings and exits likely for a string of fringe players.

After Jack Clarke completed his move to Ipswich Town over the weekend, Sunderland will look to add to their attack with two more new arrivals.

Sunderland have a list of left-wing transfer targets but with new recruit Wilson Isidor also comfortable playing out on the flank, the Black Cats may well instead push for two new strikers. Positive talks with Red Bull Salzburg's Roko Simic were held last week, while Sunderland remain interested in Alexandre Mendy, who yet again reiterated his desire to move to Wearside in a lengthy interview in France over the weekend.

While Sunderland are actively looking to strengthen their squad, a number of fringe figures are set to move on.

Loan moves are likely for Hemir, Jewison Bennette, Joe Anderson and Zak Johnson, while Sunderland are continuing their efforts to find a temporary club for Timothee Pembele.

And after watching his side extend their winning start to three games and move top of the Championship table with an impressive victory over Burnley on Saturday, head coach Regis Le Bris admitted it's "possible" Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba will be allowed to leave this week.

The pair were both left out of Sunderland's squad against the Clarets, with summer signing Ian Poveda involved for the first time and teenager Tommy Watson also named in the squad.

Aouchiche and Ba haven't yet started a Championship game this season and Le Bris said: "They were not selected for this game but if they work well, they will be involved for the next one. It is like that.

"The season is very long, so the players didn't play today or were not in the squad, they will have an opportunity to play if they work very hard."

Asked, however, if either could leave this week, Le Bris said: "It's a possibility. The transfer window is still open and it is very unpredictable so we will see."

READ MORE:

Clarke's exit was confirmed on Saturday night, with the winger signing a five-year deal at Portman Road. Sunderland will receive £15m up-front and a further £3m in the next 12 months - but Tottenham are also due a slice of the cash having inserted a sell-on fee when Clarke joined the Black Cats. Sunderland have a sell-on of their own in the winger's latest switch.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Jack is an incredibly gifted player, who has played an important role in our progress throughout the last three seasons.

"Understandably, based on his development and performances, he has a desire to play in the Premier League and we respect this position.

"We're disappointed that he’s leaving, but we’re proud of the work we’ve undertaken to help elevate him to this opportunity. Jack is a player rightly held in high regard by his team-mates and the club’s staff and supporters, who I’m sure will all join me in wishing him well for the future.”

New signing Isidor was introduced to the Sunderland fans ahead of kick-off on Saturday and the 23-year-old is set to be joined by more new faces this week.

Caen striker Mendy remains desperate to join the Black Cats ahead of Friday's deadline.

In a bombshell interview in France over the weekend, the striker said: "I am waiting. With my family, we have planned. It is especially hard for my loved ones. We live in boxes. My head is in Sunderland.

"It’s not something you can refuse, because it’s England, a football country. The coach has wanted me for a long time. It’s not just a question of money, otherwise I would have gone to Saudi Arabia. But it’s interesting for me and I don’t want to miss this opportunity.

"I also think about my family, my children. For my children’s education, it would be a good thing for them to discover a new country, a new language."