Sunderland could well be set to make more summer signings in the coming weeks, according to recent reports.
What's the word?
As per journalist Alan Nixon, the Black Cats are looking to strengthen again in the transfer market, with a new centre-back - as well as a potential attacking addition - believed to be on sporting director Kristjaan Speakman's radar.
Asked on Twitter about the northeast side's transfer business, the respected source responded: "Centre half on radar...don’t know what extra forward they want."
The Championship outfit - who achieved promotion from the third tier last season - have already wrapped up six summer signings thus far in the current window, notably already bringing in two central defenders in Aji Alese and Daniel Ballard.
Neil would love it
Despite those two new additions, manager Alex Neil currently has just four, recognised centre-back options to choose from at present, with the experienced pairing of Danny Batth and Bailey Wright rounding off that quartet.
With the former Preston North End boss favouring the use of a back three, further depth will surely be needed ahead of what will be a gruelling Championship season, with the Scotsman set to love the fact that a deal for a new defender could be in the works.
The 41-year-old has already overseen a positive start to the new campaign for his side despite having only just made the step up from the third tier, with the Stadium of Light outfit currently in second place after claiming a win and a draw in their opening two league games.
The most recent encounter away at Bristol City saw summer signing Ellis Simms net a brilliant brace on debut to help secure a thrilling, 3-2 victory for the visitors, although as Nixon alluded to, there could be further attacking reinforcements brought in before deadline day.
Just who that figure will be remains to be seen, however, with last season's impressive loanee Nathan Broadhead having opted to join rivals Wigan Athletic on loan, despite Neil and co having reportedly been keen to bring him back to the club.
Alas, the Black Cats will now have to turn to alternative, attacking targets, although it remains a positive sign that the club are keen to bolster an area of the pitch that is already a position of strength, with the aforementioned Simms and last season's top scorer Ross Stewart already looking like a formidable partnership.
Having cover for that stellar duo will be vital, however, with Neil surely set to love having a variety of stellar forward options to call upon this season.