Sunderland news: Allardyce impatient at transfers, Khazri, Kone and van Aanholt return

Sunderland saw a move for Inter Milan full-back Davide Santon fall through at the 11th hour last week, with the Black Cats yet to make a new signing ahead of their pre-season friendly programme beginning next week.

Allardyce admits his patience is "wearing thin" at the situation, despite Sunderland's constant efforts to make a transfer breakthrough.

"I have to admit myself that my patience is wearing thin, but we have to keep trying to bring in those three or four players as quickly as possible," said Allardyce.

Sunderland's numbers have at least been boosted at their Austria pre-season training camp today by the return to training of Lamine Kone, Wahbi Khazri and Patrick van Aanholt.

The trio were given extra time off at the end of last season after featuring for their respective countries, but faced their first training session this morning.

Meanwhile, the future of Allardyce looks set to dominate the news agenda this week as speculation continues over his chances of becoming England manager.

Widespread reports in the national media today indicated that Allardyce will hold discussions with the FA this week and Sunderland are aware of those talks.