Sunderland not planning any striker signings despite Jermain Defoe and Connor Wickham links

Reports this week said the Black Cats had made approaches for former players Jermain Defoe and Connor Wickham.

The pair have both been struggling for game time at their respective Premier League clubs but Ross says the claims are 'wholly inaccurate'.

"Some of the stuff I've read is wholly inaccurate," Ross said.

"All of it, actually.

"It's not my priority at the moment.

"Josh has a great goal return. Chris [Maguire] can play higher up. Charlie and Duncan are coming back. Lynden can player higher up.

"We've still got Benji as well, who I would like to keep progressing as a forward player," Ross added.

"So it's not something that I've been actively pursuing."

The Black Cats boss is keen on adding some defensive cover but broadly expects it to be a quiet window.

"I don’t want to do too much," he said.

"I think if we can strengthen in one or possibly two areas, we’ll do that.

"I’m conscious that we did a lot of work in the summer in rebuilding the squad.

"It’s a good squad, not just in terms of their ability, but they’re mixed in their character in how they’ve came together, and I don’t want to disrupt that. If we can strengthen a little bit, then we’ll do that."