Two prospects training with lads

Mick McCarthy has made no secret of the fact that he hasn't finished his summer signings and in particular is looking for another striker - and has given two prospective signings from other clubs a chance to train with the lads.

Wolves' Nathan Blake is available on a free transfer and although Pompey's Mark Burchill has another year left to run on his contract, it's thought that Harry Redknapp will let him leave on a free. Both have trained with the Sunderland squad this week in a bid to impress McCarthy.

It's even possible that a deal could be done to sign one of them before this weekend's final pre-season friendly at Doncaster.