A claim has emerged on Sunderland and their plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that the Black Cats are mainly looking to sign players to come in as back-up options in the squad.

The reporter has also suggested that their desire to bring in players who will not immediately be first-choice could cause them issues.

Replying to a fan asking if the club are close to doing anything in the market, he Tweeted: "Know the target areas; keeper/centre half/striker, but mainly cover and that can cause problems if you want people on loan."

He was then asked about a midfield target and added: "Think those three are the priorities … might need midfield halfway through all the same."

Potential blunder

This could end up being a blunder by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman as Nixon's claim suggests that they may well miss out on their top targets.

If the club are mainly looking to sign loanees who would be coming to fill a space in the squad then that could deter the parent club from doing business with them. Why would, for example, a Premier League club loan Sunderland a player if they are not planning to give them regular minutes in order to develop their game?

Teams will want their young talents to play week-in-week-out to gain valuable experience in the Championship and they will not achieve that by sitting on the bench at the Stadium of Light.

It seems unlikely that a club would allow one of their players to go on loan to be a back-up for Alex Neil's side when they could go elsewhere and be a starting option, which is why this strategy would surely be a blunder.

If this tactic leaves the Black Cats unable to bring in the players they want that would leave the squad short in some areas, as Neil has already confirmed that he wants to sign four or five new players before the end of the window.

Journalist Phil Smith noticed that the Scottish head coach was frustrated after the 2-2 draw with QPR at the weekend and suggested that the recent lack of transfer activity may have been one of the reasons behind that, along with the match.

Therefore, Speakman's struggling attempts to sign loan players for the bench could frustrate Neil more as the window drags on, particularly if he fails to bring in the signings the manager wants.