The summer transfer window closes at 11pm tonight.

Sunderland favourite Marco Gabbiadini believes the club need to sign another forward player before the 11pm deadline this evening.

So far this summer, Sunderland have signed experienced full-back Thomas Meunier, young defender Dayaan Methalie and Royal Antwerp midfielder Jules Ahoka - but they are active in several other deals ahead of tonight. And former striker Gabbiadini believes it is key further players are signed. Marseille forward Igor Paixao & Lyon winger Malick Fofana are among the players linked with Sunderland.

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"I'm happy with this squad because it's the core that we had last season - 90% of the players from last season are still here, and I think that is the most important thing," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle. "We need a few more numbers just because of the amount of these extra games that we're going to have to play, but they're not going to do anything too drastic because Regis le Bris has already talked about the size of his squad and what he can handle."

Which position, does the former Sunderland striker believe the Black Cats need to prioritise?

He added: "Another forward is imperative - in case of injuries more than anything, but it is always good to have competition in those places. "The wide positions are a little bit open, and obviously the right-sided attacking midfield position. They obviously had a few targets there but he's also got Chris Rigg - who had some fantastic performances at the end of the season - who can play that position and I think they can rotate the lads from the left sometimes to the right. That's why they're not getting too het up at the moment, but clearly there will be some people coming in."

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Phil Smith’s expert Sunderland view:

Phil said: “The big question for Sunderland fans is who else they can recruit before the deadline and specifically in forward areas. Another winger has been a major priority throughout the summer, but it has proved a very difficult market. The club made progress on an ambitious deal to sign Marseille forward Igor Paixao, but as it stands the Ligue 1 club have said they don't want to lose any more players. A U-turn before the deadline is certainly not impossible, but Sunderland are clearly having to move on other targets. Lyon winger Malick Fofana was one of those, but Arsenal have made a surprise late move and so are clearly favourites at this stage.

“Ideally Sunderland would also bring in another versatile forward given Eliezer Mayenda's departure earlier this summer, but it remains to be seen whether they can do so. It looks set to be a dramatic day with plenty of twists and turns.”

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