'A forward is imperative' before transfer deadline

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says he is happy that the Black Cats have kept the core of the squad but says they need more numbers to deal with extra European fixtures - and signing a forward is "imperative". "I'm happy with this squad because it's the core that we had last season - 90% of the players from last season are still here, and I think that is the most important thing," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle. When asked about which position should be a priority for sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, Gabbiadini cited the forward line despite being content with Trai Hume and Nilson Angulo starting on the wing in Sunderland's opening games of the season.