Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald feels the club need six to eight news players this summer to boost their squad.
With the Black Cats narrowly missing out on promotion last season, this summer’s transfer window will be vital for Jack Ross to bring in the extra quality needed to get his side over the line next May.
While he was still on Twitter, Donald took to social media to reassure fans the club’s search for new talent was under way, and asked for patience as they look to get the right men for the club.
So just where do Sunderland need to focus when recruiting their “six to eight signings”?
Here are the key positions which need strengthening, and those which have already been dealt with.
Goalkeeper
Sunderland fans will be hoping this position has been resolved after the signing of Lee Burge.
The experienced goalkeeper has been signed from Coventry City to provide back-up for Jon McLaughlin after the departure of Robbin Ruiter – at least that is what supporters will be hoping.
Millwall and Middlesbrough have been linked with moves for McLaughlin but so outstanding and important was he for the Black Cats last term that they will surely only sell the Scotland international for well above the going rate.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Ahmed Abdelkader has joined to fill the hole left by Max Stryjek and Max Johnstone, who have both been released.
Right-back
The first position to be addressed, with Northern Ireland international Conor McLaughlin joining from Millwall.
Sunderland now have the option of using Luke O'Nien in his preferred position of central midfield, but after the strides he made as a makeshift right-back last season, and given their options in the middle of the park, they may not take it up that often.
Left-back
Selling Reece James to Doncaster Rovers leaves Bryan Oviedo and the injury-prone Denver Hume as the only specialist on the left side of defence, although Tom Flanagan regularly played in the full-back positions for Burton Albion.
For financial more than footballing reasons, Sunderland would be open to selling Oviedo if they get a decent offer, which would then leave them in the market for another left-back.
Central defence
Jimmy Dunne has returned to Burnley at the end of his loan. None of Alim Ozturk, Tom Flanagan, Jack Baldwin or Glenn Loovens totally convinced last season so one, maybe two, quality additions would be helpful.
Central midfield
Even with Lee Cattermole released, the Black Cats still have plenty of central midfield options, the question is more whether they have the right balance. Grant Leadbitter, Dylan McGeouch, Max Power, George Honeyman, Bali Mumba, Jake Hackett and Ethan Robson are all jostling for position, O'Nien can be added to that mix again and a new contract has been offered to Elliot Embleton. Not a priority in a summer where there is a surprising amount to do.
Right wing
Lewis Morgan’s loan from Celtic is over. Lynden Gooch’s form slumped last season, there are inevitable question marks over Duncan Watmore’s fitness and Benji Kiimpioka’s future, so a right-winger is a high priority.
Centre-forward
Now Kazaiah Sterling is back at Tottenham Hotspur, Will Grigg and Charlie Wyke are the only specialist centre-forwards and each have just five goals for Sunderland. Two additions may be desirable if possible.
