That includes a bold pursuit of Granit Xhaka, with the [Black Cats](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland) having made their interest in the former Arsenal midfielder known to his current club Bayer Leverkusen.
Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes says the Bundesliga club are yet to receive a formal offer for the 32-year-old, but discussions have taken place with Sunderland, who are hoping to fight off competition from Saudi Arabia.
Despite signing both Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, Sunderland's recruitment and coaching team are still looking to add one more new recruit to their midfield ranks, and officials and staff believe Xhaka, who played 225 Premier League games for Arsenal, would add vital top level experience.
Sunderland were always aware of Jordan Henderson's likely availability this summer, but the Black Cats saw Xhaka - who is three years younger than the Wearsider - as a more appealing option.
Sunderland are said to be willing to offer Xhaka a three-year deal and are preparing to hold firm talks over a potential €10m deal, but do face fierce competition from Neom SC, who have already beaten the Black Cats to the signing of Marcin Bulka this summer.
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Meanwhile, Sunderland are weighing up their next step as they look to strengthen the defence, which Le Bris admitted was a must on the back of a string of injury setbacks this summer.
Luke O'Nien, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde have all been ruled out of the first three games of the season, leaving Sunderland short at the back.
Reinildo has already arrived this summer but Sunderland were always planning to sign a centre-half on the back of Chris Mepham's return to Bournemouth at the end of last season.
Colombian international Jhon Lucumí has emerged as one leading target, and with initial talks having taken place, Sunderland are said to be preparing an official offer for the in-demand Bologna defender.
Lucumi had a €28 million release clause in his contract, which was reportedly due to expire this week, but Sunderland were happy to let that deadline pass and will attempt to agree a deal with the Serie A club, who will reportedly demand a fee in the region of €22m.
However, fresh reports coming out of Italy on Wednesday morning claim Lucumi will prioritise Champions League football if he was to leave Bologna this summer.
He is said to have options in Italy, with Roma and Inter keen, and the 27-year-old has other admirers in the Premier League but has reportedly already turned down Bournemouth because of his desire to play European football.
Sunderland are continuing their push to make signings in other areas.
Despite the attacking arrivals of Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra, Sunderland are keen on Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss, with the 21-year-old long admired by recruitment chiefs on Wearside.
Sunderland haven't yet made contact with Leicester, however, and could face competition from Nottingham Forest, who have reportedly identified El Khannouss as a potential replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White if he goes to Tottenham.
Sunderland continue to assess their goalkeeper options and are also in discussions with a number of clubs over potential centre-forward targets.