Transfer talks and Cattermole contract are promising signs for Sunderland

Able to drag the Black Cats (2/1 to be relegated) through tough games with sheer determination, Cattermole needs a strong spine around him, and Advocaat looks to be striving to add just that.

The latest reports suggest Sunderland are engaging in transfer talks for talented duo Nicolas Lombaerts and Jeremain Lens, who would both be significant coups should the Northeast outfit pull those signings off.

Belgium and Zenit St Petersburg centre half Lombaerts is an ideal, cultured and experienced, replacement for the brittle backline old guard of former Manchester United pair John O’Shea and Wes Brown. While both could be useful squad players, new blood is badly needed to refresh defensive ranks and patch-up a side that often leaked goals last season.

Advocaat’s continental connections appear key here, while apparent interest in Dutch dangerman Lens of Dynamo Kiev also seems to have his hand-prints all over it. Lens hit nine across all competitions last campaign, and the flexible forward, able to play up top or out wide, would provide depth and guile to a squad boasting a gaggle of finishers but few true top-draw playmakers.

The Wearsiders do seem set on adding flair to their midfield, as links to West Ham United and England attacking midfielder Stewart Downing continue to linger, while the Black Cats could also put rivals Newcastle United’s nose out of joint by beating them to Chelsea-owned box-to-box midfielder Marco van Ginkel – Advocaat’s compatriot.

The dynamic Dutchman would be just the type of player to impress the Stadium of Light support should he recapture his pre-injury form, as Advocaat seeks to add a little Clockwork Orange quality to his roster.

Sunderland seem to have a lot on their plate at the moment then, and should just a handful of these signings come to fruition, the Black Cats can begin to think about a higher finish rather than a relegation scrap for the upcoming season.