Sunderland AFC transfer news: Cats 'reject' loan deal for Liverpool defender, Defoe ideal role model for Asoro

The Daily Mail claim David Moyes is looking at other options to boost his defence after the sale of Younes Kaboul to Watford, the groin injury suffered by John O'Shea and the ongoing Lamine Kone situation.

The 27-year-old - who last week turned down the offer of a new contract - has reportedly been told to stay away from the Academy of Light while his future hangs in the balance, with Everton still keen on the £18million-rated defender.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reported to be open to sending Sakho out on loan in order to boost his fitness levels and get him some regular game time.

A senior right-back, central defender, central midfielders and striker are the positions targeted by Moyes before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Sunderland have a strong interest in Barnsley defender Alfie Mawson, with a host of Premier League and Championship clubs tracking the former Brentford player, 22.

Barnsley head coach Paul Heckingbottom, the ex-Sunderland defender, said “interest is growing” in the defender.

For the latest Sunderland AFC news like our SAFC Facebook page:Meanwhile, 17-year-old striker Joel Asoro has been hailed by manager David Moyes after becoming the youngest player to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.

The Swede came on for the final 10 minutes against Middlesbrough, with Sunderland in desperate need of fresh legs.

Asoro supported Jermain Defoe and Moyes believes he can learn a lot from last season’s top scorer.

"He has done well I have been impressed with his link-up play and strength,” added Moyes.

"He is like a young Jermain Defoe but he needs to learn to score like Jermain Defoe does.

"I have been impressed with his training and he is a strong little boy with his wiry shape

"I will say to Jermain he needs to tell him how he scores, only strikers can tell when they shoot through people’s legs, when they shoot, when they take it on.

"He needs to show how he gets these opportunities and they are things I am hoping he will pass on."

For all Asoro’s promise, adding another striker to relieve some of the pressure from the shoulders of Defoe remains a key priority.