da realbet: A goalkeeper, a right-back, a centre midfielder, a winger and a striker.
da premier bet: While most managers have completed at least half of their summer shopping sprees in the transfer market, David Moyes has two and a half weeks to complete the above list, after being announced as Sunderland manager on Saturday.
While the five positions above need addressing quickly, the issue for Moyes deepens in that there are other areas of the squad that need considerable improvement too; this job could well be the toughest of his career.
The 53-year-old will now be searching far and wide for players to improve a team who have been battling relegation consistently for the last three years.
Here are five players who could be David Moyes’ first signings at Sunderland…
Adnan Januzaj
There have been plenty of reports linking Sunderland with a loan move for Adnan Januzaj. The Belgian is keen to reignite his career with first team football and Moyes’ could certainly guarantee that at Sunderland.
With Wahbi Khazri the only natural playmaker in the squad, Januzaj would be a welcome addition, especially if he can repeat his early career form at Manchester United.
Expect this deal to be a season-long loan, if it is completed.
Charles N’Zogbia
Having been released from his contract at Aston Villa, Charles N’Zogbia has been training with the Sunderland squad for the entire pre-season.
While their has been no indication that Sunderland are planning on offering the Frenchman a contract, the fact that he remains part of the setup this close to the season is a promising sign.
Versatile, experienced and pacy, N’Zogbia could add plenty to a squad in desperate need of strength in depth.
Will Keane
Already 23, Will Keane has played just twice for Manchester United, who have used the loan system extensively to provide the home grown player with valuable first team experience.
With Keane growing up fast, both he and his club feel that a move to a Premier League club is the next step in his career, and that club could well be Sunderland.
While Keane doesn’t have the goalscoring prowess of a Jermaine Defoe, he is strong, tall and composed and would act as another offensive option from the bench.
Leon Osman
After 19 years with Everton, Leon Osman was released in May after a superbly dependable career on Merseyide. Still in fantastic phsyical shape, Osman is looking for a new club and a reunion with former manager David Moyes could well be an option.
Moyes is a fan of reliability, stability and consistency and all of these things are offered on abundance by Osman. While he may not be the flair player that gets fans off their seats, he will provide adept cover across the midfield.
Marouane Fellaini
Another player who could be on his way out of Old Trafford, Marouane Fellaini is not the type of player to fit into a Jose Mourinho system. Manchester United may look to send the 28 year old out on loan and David Moyes would be the first manager to declare interest in his former player.
While Fellaini’s playing isn’t to every football connoisseur’s taste, he is remarkably effective if utilized properly and would provide a fear factor for teams to consider when heading to the Stadium of Light.