Sunderland exploring multiple options in search for attacking recruits as new season approaches

Sunderland are continuing to pursue multiple targets as they look to sign strikers as competition and cover for Ross Stewart. With the start of the Championship season just ten days away, Scotland international Stewart remains the Black Cats' sole senior number nine.

Sunderland have brought in four new signings so far, but boss Alex Neil has said several times that his squad needs to be strengthened significantly in a number of key areas if it is to be competitive in the second tier. And the threadbare state of Sunderland's centre-forward options is the most obvious deficiency.

Sunderland have been linked with numerous attacking targets, with a move for Everton frontman Nathan Broadhead - who spent a successful season on loan on Wearside last term and helped the club earn promotion via the play-offs - a preferred choice both within the club and amongst supporters. Broadhead was part of the Everton squad that travelled to America as part of the Toffeemen's pre-season preparations, but he did not feature in their games against either Arsenal or Minnesota United.

Sunderland are also understood to be in the running for Spurs' Troy Parrott, who is likely to be loaned out to a Championship side this season having impressed in his loan spell at MK Dons in League One last term. Parrott, 20, is also reportedly a target for clubs including Middlesbrough, QPR and Preston, and has been involved in Spurs' pre-season games in South Korea earlier this month.

Sunderland have also been touted as a potential suitor for Aston Villa frontman Cameron Archer, although it appears that Steven Gerrard is keen to keep the 20-year-old at Villa Park for the forthcoming campaign as he has caught the eye during their pre-season trip to Australia.