The new season is fast approaching and Sunderland will be competing in League One for the 2018/19 campaign after suffering back-to-back relegations.

It has been a summer of transition, with Chris Coleman leaving and being replaced by Jack Ross, as well as new owner Stewart Donald taking over from Ellis Short.

Ross was named PFA Scotland Manager of the Year for his job with St Mirren as he guided them back to the Scottish Premiership.

The Black Cats have been active in the transfer window, bringing in Jerome Sinclair on loan from Watford and wrapping up permanent deals for Dylan McGeouch, Alim Ozturk, Chris Maguire, Jon McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan, Reece James and Glenn Loovens.

There is hope among the Sunderland camp that this year the bad fortune can be reversed but still work needs to be done in the next week.

Here are three issues that Ross needs to address before the season gets underway next week.

Despite signing Loovens and Ozturk, Sunderland need depth at centre-half, especially if high earners Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone leave.

Peterborough United's Jack Baldwin, who Sunderland reportedly have agreed a fee for, would be an astute addition.

Sunderland need legs in midfield and a box-to-box central midfielder would be perfect for them.

Paddy McNair departed last season and Lee Cattermole doesn't have the same engine he once did so another central midfielder would be perfect before next week's opener.

Josh Maja is a terrific young talent and Sinclair could be a shrewd loan signing but Sunderland need a more experienced striker for this campaign.

Bringing in someone like Charlie Wyke would be great business by Sunderland.