Kevin Phillips says Sunderland's reported decision to pull out of a move for Tony Gallacher is a bad look for the club.
The Black Cats were in for the Liverpool left-back last week but pulled out of the deal after a 'better option' became available according to reports.
Phillips is under no illusion that this season is another huge year for Sunderland, with promotion the main focus.
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As things stand the Black Cats have no senior full backs at the club and have been seen bids for Jordan Gabriel and Josh Key turned down.
The Wearsiders have also been linked with a move for Scotland international Stephen O'Donnell, but the right-back has just been appointed captain at Motherwell.
Lee Johnson's side are still waiting to hear from Denver Hume after he was offered a new contract at the end of last season, but the Sunderland head coach has put a deadline of August 7 on negotiations.
The lack of incomings meant question marks were raised when the club reportedly pulled out of a deal for Gallacher, with the season just ten days away at the time of reporting.
Phillips told Football Insider: “I’m very interested to find out what happened.
“There must have been a major issue if they decided to pull out that late.
“You don’t want to bring a player in if he’s not going to be quite right, that’s happened before.
“It’s a huge season for Sunderland, yet again, they need promotion.
“They aren’t the only club that need bodies and they have to get their plans right.
“Pulling out of deals just before the season starts is a blow, Johnson will want to know his starting 11 at this point.
“They will have backup players and I expect they will be brought in before the season starts.
“It’s a real bad look for Sunderland.”
