Sunderland will be under-strength going into the season, admits Alex Neil - but the Black Cats are working to remedy that situation as quickly as possible. The Wearsiders kick off their Championship campaign at home to Coventry City on Sunday, but they still need more new recruits to make their squad competitive.
They have signed five players over the summer but are still short in terms of numbers in comparison to last year, and also lack cover in key positions. Neil strongly hinted today that there could be another new signing in place before the weekend and Sunderland are understood to be close to agreeing a loan deal with Everton for 21-year-old striker Ellis Simms, who scored seven goals in 21 appearances in all competitions whil on loan at Scottish Premiership side Hearts last season, and ten goals in 24 games while helping Blackpool win promotion from League One the season before.
But Neil is under no illusions that more new faces will be needed, and they need to arrive quickly as Sunderland will have played seven league games by the time the transfer deadline passes at the end of August. Asked about the crossover between the start of the season and the transfer window, Neil said: "I think it's not helpful.
