An update has emerged on Sunderland and their attempts to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that the Black Cats are still chasing two more signings ahead of the deadline at the end of August.

However, they appear to be struggling - along with the rest of the Championship - to get deals over the line for a myriad of reasons.

In response to a fan asking for an update on the club, he tweeted:

"Keeper and striker search goes on … not easy for anybody this summer … Lack of available talent … lack of funds … loads chasing the same players … hard times"

Supporters will be frustrated

This claim will surely leave supporters frustrated as the second-tier season kicks off next weekend and the Black Cats are yet to significantly add to their team from the 2021/22 campaign.

Alex Neil's side won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs after failing to finish in the top two in League One and have added Daniel Ballard and Aji Alose to their squad, whilst signing Leon Dajaku and Jack Clarke on permanent deals after their loans.

They are making a step up to a league of higher quality and their business, thus far, has not improved a significant portion of the team to help them bridge the gap.

They have also lost Callum Doyle and Nathan Broadhead after they returned to their parent clubs, with the former signing for Coventry on loan from Manchester City. The latter, meanwhile, remains at Everton and is reportedly wanted by Sunderland for a second spell at the Stadium of Light.

In his time on Wearside last season, the Welshman caught the eye with an impressive 10 goals in 15 League One starts. He proved that he has the quality to make a big impact in the final third at that level, suggesting that he could be a useful player in the Championship.

Supporters will, therefore, be frustrated with the difficult time Sunderland are having in the market as not having Broadhead in the squad clearly weakens their attacking options and they are yet to bring him back or replace him with another player.

Hopefully, Kristjaan Speakman can work his magic in the final month and a bit of the window to give Neil the tools he needs to oversee a successful campaign.

AND in other news, Decision incoming: SAFC could land Broadhead 2.0 in deal for £2.4k-p/w "goal machine"...