Sunderland set to make decision on former Premier League trialist as coach reveals positive transfer update

Having seen some of their more experienced players depart on loan, Dickman has been granted permission to strengthen his ranks in the coming weeks and is already monitoring potential recruits.

Former Tottenham defender Jamie Reynolds has spent time on trial with the club in recent weeks, while former Watford man Joy Mukena featured for the side in the defeat to Stoke City on Monday evening.

And Dickman insists he will continue looking for players as he bids to add some extra depth and quality to Sunderland’s second string.

“We always have been looking and always will be,” he admitted. “It’s not as easy as that, because some players are at other clubs and in contract.”

A decision on Mukena, who was released by the Hornets is the summer, is expected soon - with Dickman having been left impressed by his attitude around the Academy of Light during his ten-day stint on Wearside.

And he believes the 20-year-old will have no shortage of admirers if he does depart.

“He’s been in for about ten days now, so we’ll have a chat and see where we’re going from there,” explained the Sunderland coach.

“He’s come in and given his all.

“We played Spennymoor last week and he’s played in that game, so he’s had two full games.

“We can have a sit down now and really thrash it out in terms of whether we think it’s right for us or we don’t.

“Fair play to the lad, he’s been a credit and he’s conducted himself well.

“It’s never easy, I don’t think, when you’re coming in on trial and into an environment where the lads are a really tight-knit group.”

*New Hearts boss Daniel Stendel has vowed to fight for his rights after insisting he was sacked "with immediate effect" by former employers Barnsley.

Stendel was axed by Barnsley back in October following a run of 10 games without a win but the club insisted this week they had yet to agree a severance deal with the German, who they also accused of breaching his contract by holding talks with a rival Sky Bet Championship club.

The Tykes have tried to negotiate a settlement with Hearts for the services of Stendel and his assistants Chris Stern and Dale Tonge but said they had been unable to do so.

The Oakwell outfit said at the time of Stendel's exit they had "separated" from Stendel "with immediate effect" and that is how the new Gorgie boss recalls the matter.

The 45-year-old - who will hold his first press conference since taking up the Hearts post on Tuesday afternoon - said on his Facebook account: "I want to respond to the statement of FC Barnsley. I experienced the people in Barnsley as honest and straightforward and therefore would like to present my point of view.

"During my entire time at Barnsley I gave my full commitment, energy and passion for the club and their supporters.

"I always put the sporting results of Barnsley first and always tried to achieve the very best results that were possible. We had a fantastic last season in League One, securing promotion to the Championship, playing some very entertaining football.

"The start to this season was very difficult though, with the club being unable to retain several key players from the promotion team and couldn't replace these experienced players.

"I always remained committed and accepted all the decisions of the board during my entire time - including the decision to terminate my contract with immediate effect. At the day of my dismissal I wasn't informed about any detailed reasons.

"The week before my dismissal I asked for an open discussion about the sporting situation with a board member, during which none of the reasons that apparently led to my dismissal were raised as complaints.