The Black Cats are hoping to make ‘four or five’ key signings ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign, with strengthening the spine of the side that won promotion last term a key priority.
Enzo Le Fee has already completed a permanent club-record move from Roma, while Jobe Bellingham has left to join Borussia Dortmund for another club-record sum.
Further movement is anticipated ahead of the start of pre-season training at the start of next month, with Speakman leading the recruitment process in his role of sporting director.
The Black Cats chief delivered an update at the Foundation of Light’s annual fixtures breakfast, when the club’s opening-day home game against West Ham United was confirmed, and while he did not discuss specific targets, he revealed his main focus in the last few days has been overseas.
READ MORE:
Sunderland are understood to be interested in Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, who is currently representing his country at the European Under-21 Championships in Slovakia, and have also been heavily linked with Monaco defender Wilfried Singo and Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente.
“Our objective has never just been to get to the Premier League,” said Speakman. “It’s such a landmark and naturally everyone talks about that, but internally over the last two, three, four years it’s always been about reestablishing ourselves.
“So, what we need to do now is go on the next part of that journey, and think about establishing ourselves over the next three or four years (at Premier League level) and hopefully build to a point where he can be involved towards the top end of the league which is ultimately where we all want to be.
“We’re trying to recruit players for that. I’ve spent the last three days in three different countries, speaking with players and agents. I landed back (in England) at about 2am last night, so the work behind the scenes is up and running and has been for a number of weeks.”
