Watford forward on Sunderland's radar as Black Cats explore loan market

Jack Ross is determined to add at least two attackers to his squad before the transfer window shuts in a fortnight’s time.

Sinclair, 21, can play in the wide areas but is seen primarily as a player who can add pace to Sunderland’s frontline.

Chairman Stewart Donald insisted yesterday that the Black Cats have finances available to spend on strengthening their squad, and they remain keen on Bradford City striker Charlie Wyke.

Billy Sharp is another target, should he be sidelined by Chris Wilder’s desire to bolster his Sheffield United attack.

However, Ross and his recruitment team have also explored the loan market, with numerous additions necessary.

Josh Maja and Andrew Nelson are currently the only recognised centre-forwards available to the Sunderland boss.

Sinclair is one of a few potential youngsters in the Premier League who could become available for a loan.

He has struggled for game time since joining Watford from Liverpool in 2016, but has played an active part in the Hornets’ pre-season under Javi Gracia and scored in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The Black Cats are eager to strengthen their squad before the season begins against Charlton Athletic on August 4, though loan deals can be completed right up until the end of the month.

After last weekend’s 6-0 win over St Mirren, Ross insisted that he was relaxed about Sunderland’s threadbare attack and was confident that reinforcements would arrive at some stage.

Asked if new arrivals would come in ahead of Friday’s final friendly at Middlesbrough, Ross said: “I would think so, but time does run away from you. I’d be very hopeful of getting some reinforcements before Boro.

“I’m very conscious of getting the right ones. We could have signed bodies before now, but it would have been for the sake of it. Hopefully we’ll have more bodies in before the Middlesbrough game.”

The Black Cats are also keen on adding at least one centre-back to their squad, as well as a central midfielder.