Sunderland manager Alex Neil has provided an exciting update about his side's plans in the transfer market this summer, as they continue their pre-season campaign in Portugal.

What's the story?

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Neil explained how the club still "have a lot of work to do" but that they have "discussions ongoing" over a number of targets.

It seems as though patience will be the key if the Black Cats are to secure the additions they want to make ahead of a tough season in a new league.

Neil was also upbeat about his team's progress in pre-season following an impressive 45-minute display against Scottish giants Rangers.

Supporters will be buzzing

Fans on Wearside will be buzzing to hear that the club are talking to several players on a daily basis as they look to add depth and create competition for places.

They have made two additions so far with Daniel Ballard joining from Arsenal earlier in the window, and most recently they secured the signature of highly-rated forward Jack Clarke from Tottenham Hotspur.

Clarke signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light giving Sunderland much more strength up front. Neil has been pleased with the club's ability to sign these young talents describing the deals as "not easy" to do.

The club secured promotion back to the Championship last season with a play-off victory after six long seasons in League One. With their large support it will be a hard place for any team to visit next season as they hope to make their mark in a highly competitive division.

Supporters will talk about a return to the Premier League but the club have a lot of work to do if they want to reach that point and it starts with success in the transfer market and making the right additions to the squad.

Time will tell whether they build a side good enough to survive comfortably next season, but they can't take anything for granted and must not underestimate the ability of the sides around them who will have just as much desire to succeed.

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