Sunderland AFC transfer news - Stewart Donald's message to fans, Villa striker linked plus Ross on Rangers midfielder

Stewart Donald insists the club is working hard to improve the Sunderland squad, with the Black Cats submitting bids for three strikers.

Sunderland - who have been credited with an interest in Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack on loan - hope to sign at least two strikers before the August 9 deadline with Jack Ross currently relying on teenager Josh Maja to lead the attack, with support from forward Chris Maguire.

McCormack, 31, scored 13 goals in 15 games on loan with Melbourne City earlier this year after Sunderland failed to agree terms on a loan deal last January.

One of Sunderland's main summer targets was Cheltenham Town striker Mo Eisa but he is poised to join Championship side Bristol City.

Jack Ross on Glenn Loovens and why he wanted to sign experienced defender

Donald has confirmed that three bids have been made for strikers but accepts Sunderland fans may feel frustrated as the hunt for reinforcements goes on.

Donald tweeted: "I appreciate @SunderlandAFC fans are frustrated with the lack of transfer activity.

"Not easy to stay patient. It is taking a little longer than hoped but everyone at the club is working hard to strengthen the squad. Hopefully news soon. I will report back in couple of days!"

Responding to a fan who said the squad was desperately short of strikers, Donald added: "Agreed - yes 3 bids. I has gone out our price range but 3 left. All good strikers. We see what you see."

Sunderland were hoping for movement when he returned from Reading's pre-season training camp in Austria today but Evans is waiting to see if there is any Championship interest in him.

Ross, meanwhile, has ruled out a loan move for Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty

Ross said: "I seem to get linked with every single player up in Scotland. Some of the reports are true – but a lot aren’t.

"I have just got used to it. At first it  bothered me.

"We have recruited a couple from the Scottish leagues already.

"Dylan [McGeouch] is already showing how good a player he is for us so it is a market we will continue to explore.

"But Greg is not a player we are interested in. That is not to say he is not a good player but we have other priorities."