Sunderland owner Ellis Short is ready to back Dick Advocaat's search for midfielders this summer, according to the Northern Echo.
It was reported that Short and Advocaat would meet in North America early this weekend to discuss their summer business and what is next for the club in the transfer window, and the owner has now pledged to help the manager as he pursues options in midfield.
Advocaat keen on Dembele
The publication understands that Moussa Dembele remains the club's first choice for the void in the middle of the park and, although the rumours regarding Sunderland's interest in the Tottenham Hotspur man have fluctuated throughout the week, the Northern Echo have reported that the Black Cats have already enquired about the Belgian's availability.
However, Spurs are reluctant to sell the midfielder right now after off-loading Paulinho, Lewis Holtby, Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli already this summer, and rejected Sunderland's approach as a result.
Sporting director Lee Congerton is expected to make an improved offer later this week, but it seems that Spurs will not be willing to let Dembele go until they have recruited some more midfielders themselves.
Advocaat has worked with the 28-year-old previously at AZ Alkmaar and whilst in charge of Belgium's national team, and this could play a part in convincing the midfielder to swap Spurs for Sunderland, as could the promise of more game time, something that he struggled for at White Hart Lane last season.
Short also looking to offload players
As well as agreeing on the desire to add to the team and strengthen it, Advocaat and Short are also very aware that the wage bill must be trimmed in order to meet the Premier League's financial regulations, and thus they are looking to let go of several players they view as surplus to requirements, per Shields Gazette.
Valentin Roberge and Charis Mavrias look certain to be on their way out of the club, if a buyer can be found, after being left behind on Wearside this summer with the under-21 squad as the first team conducted a tour of North America.
Santiago Vergini has already been loaned to Getafe for the season, whilst former Brighton and Hove Albion duo, Will Buckley and Liam Bridcutt, have both been linked with moves elsewhere having failed to establish themselves in Advocaat's side since he took over in March.
The two cost Sunderland £5 million last year as Gus Poyet brought them in from his previous club, but neither have managed to impress since the Uruguayan was relieved of his duties at the Stadium of Light and now the Black Cats are looking to sell them, as opposed to loaning them out.
As well as this, young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has returned to Wearside after a marvellous season on loan with Bradford City in League One, and the club are keen to include him with the first team more, meaning the sale of Vito Mannone has been speculated - especially after some poor performances by the Italian stopper in the campaign gone.
Sunderland have made four signings this summer already, bringing in defenders Sebastian Coates, Adam Matthews and Younes Kaboul, as well as winger Jeremain Lens.