Jack Ross discusses the transfer latest after Sunderland's win over St Mirren

Jack Ross remains relaxed as he looks to strengthen the Sunderland squad

Jack Ross is confident that he will have reinforcements before Sunderland face Middlesbrough next Friday, but insists he won't sign players for the sake of it.

The Black Cats look to have missed out on Cheltenham Town striker Mo Eisa, who is poised to join Championship side Bristol City.

A fee has been agreed for Reading midfielder George Evans, with talks between club and player ongoing.

Sunderland also retain an interest in Bradford City striker Charlie Wyke but that situation has been complicated by an injury the player picked up earlier this week.

Ross said: "Evans I think is agreed between the clubs, that comes down to the player [now]. Wyke is ongoing, he’s injured at the moment anyway. Stewart [Donald] to be fair to him, is very, very eager to bring players in and he gets a bit impatient with it but we’ll be fine, we’ll be alright.

"I would think so [signings before Middlesbrough], but time does run away from you. I’d be very hopeful of getting some reinforcements before Boro. I’m very conscious of getting the right ones, we could have signed bodies before now but it would have been for the sake of it. Hopefully we’ll have more bodies in before the Middlesbrough game."

Ross, who sealed a deal for former Sheffield Wednesday defender Glenn Loovens on Friday, says he will continue to monitor the free agent market.

He is, however, reluctant to play trialists with the season now so close.

Ross said: "There’d been one or two names suggested but at this stage, we’re quite far into pre-season and I need to look towards what I’ve got at my disposal for the Charlton game. That’s not to say we wouldn’t look at players but this game and next Friday is important in terms of preparation for us, I need to get game time for those ahead of the season."

The Black Cats boss confirmed that he will not be pursuing a deal for former trialist Anton Forrester, and played down talk of a loan move for Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty.

Ross said he had 'other priorities positionally'.

The Black Cats remain keen on adding at least two strikers to their squad, as well as another centre-back.

They will also be keen to replace Callum McManaman, who joined Wigan Athletic on Friday.