Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says he is happy that the Black Cats have kept the core of the squad but says they need more numbers to deal with extra European fixtures - and signing a forward is "imperative".
"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."
When asked about which position should be a priority for sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, Gabbiadini cited the forward line despite being content with Trai Hume and Nilson Angulo starting on the wing in Sunderland's opening games of the season.
"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."
Listen to more from Gabbiadini above or on BBC Sounds
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