Kevin Phillips has been discussing Sunderland’s summer transfer plans.

Sunderland icon Kevin Phillips has urged the club to reinforce their attacking options this summer transfer window as they prepare themselves for their upcoming Europa League campaign.

The Black Cats thrived upon their long-awaited return to the Premier League last term, but if they are to continue their positive development under Regis Le Bris - and balance their domestic duties with their continental ambitions - Phillips is of the opinion that they need to bolster their forward line.

Speaking exclusively to The Echo, courtesy of BestBettingSites, he said: “I think, in terms of positions, I’d like to see another striker. I think most fans up here in the North East would like to see another striker challenging [Brian] Brobbey and [Wilson] Isidor. So yeah, that’s certainly an area that I think needs to be looked at. I think another winger as well, potentially, just a bit more firepower up top. I think defensively, we look solid, and in the midfield. I think, in the top end of the pitch, a striker and a winger.

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“Expectation next year, it’s of course going to be a hard one with the Europa League. We need a bigger squad. There haven’t been that many signings yet, only [Thomas] Meunier coming in at right-back. So, expectation, for me, of course, I want to be challenging for a European spot again, but I think staying in the Premier League, as we always want to do, is important – have a solid season there and have a really good run in the Europa League.”

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