Sunderland are looking to bolster their squad before the 11pm deadline on September 1, with Regis Le Bris' side set to embark on their first European campaign in over 50 years.
The Black Cats have taken a slow but measured approach to the window so far, signing Thomas Meunier on a free transfer, the arrival of Dayann Methalie and highly-rated midfielder Jules Ahoka.
With the deadline fast approaching, there has been a clear focus on trying to bring in players at the top end of the pitch.
Wide attacker and defensive targets
Le Bris kept his cards close to his chest when asked if the club needed another out-and-out number nine before the window closes, in what would be a wildcard addition to the squad.
It is clear the Wearsiders want to bring in a wide attacker, with a right-winger prioritised at the start of the window, though it now appears the club are open to signing someone capable of playing across the front line.
The Black Cats had been in talks with Sporting to sign right-winger Geny Catamo, though his £51.6m release clause proved to be too high an asking price and they moved on to other alternatives.
Sunderland remain in talks with Marseille to try and sign Brazilian winger Igor Paixao before the deadline, having reportedly agreed terms with the player, though talks with the French club have been difficult regarding the structure of a deal. The 26-year-old is able to play across the forward line, though his best work has come on the left-hand side of the attack for current club Marseille.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana has emerged as a possible alternative to Paixao, and while talks for Jack Grealish took place, the England international looks set for a return to Everton after enjoying his time with the Toffees last season.
The Black Cats also want to strengthen their defence, and have held talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a move for Austrian international Kevin Danso. He is a player Florent Ghisolfi knows well from his time at RC Lens, and would be open to a move to Wearside this summer. The 27-year-old was left out of Spurs' matchday squad for their defeat to Newcastle United after expressing a desire to leave the club.
Outgoings expected
There is also plenty of work to do in terms of outgoings, with winger Jocelin Ta Bi appearing to leak his own loan move to Burnley on social media at the weekend. The Ivory Coast winger was left out of Sunderland's squad to seal a move to the Clarets, which looks set to go through before the deadline.
Alan Browne is another who could leave the Stadium of Light before the deadline, with several Championship clubs keen on signing the midfielder, who impressed on loan with Boro last season. Preston North End are keen on a reunion with the 31-year-old, while Blackburn Rovers are also understood to be keen.
Forgotten man Luis Hemir Semedo is also expected to leave the Stadium of Light, having spent the last two seasons on loan away from the club, while fellow outcast Abdoullah Ba could follow suit. The French midfielder was in talks to join Peterborough United earlier this summer, but a move did not come to fruition.
