Alex Neil has admitted that a potential new signing could go straight into the Sunderland side this weekend.

The Black Cats have been heavily linked with a loan move for Everton forward Ellis Simms.

The Sunderland boss is hopeful that the club can complete a transfer deal before the weekend, with the expectation being that the 21-year old is set to earn a move to the Stadium of Light.

The Championship season gets underway this weekend, with Sunderland set to face Coventry City on Sunday.

This will be the team’s first campaign back in the second division since 2017-18, with Neil hoping to get off to a good start against the Sky Blues.

But the 41-year old refused to name drop Simms, while he did hint that a possible move is almost over the line.

“Will there be someone in before Saturday? There’s every chance,” said Neil, via the Northern Echo.

“Might they be involved at the weekend? It would depend on how they looked.

“It depends how many days we get on the grass with them. 

“For instance, if we managed to get someone training a couple of days prior to the game, then potentially we might put them in (to the squad). 

“It would depend on the position they play well, in terms of how much cover we’ve got in that area.

“It depends on how we’re going to go about the game too, so there’s a whole host of things that go into that, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.”

Neil also confirmed that there are no injury concerns for the squad going into Sunday’s opening game of the season.

The club will be hoping to have a competitive presence in the division on their first campaign back in this league.

Neil secured promotion from the third tier via the play-offs, with a final victory coming over Wycombe Wanderers last May.

The Verdict

Throwing Simms straight into the Sunderland team against Coventry would be a bold move from Neil.

A cameo off the bench could be a good way of integrating him into the team quickly, but a start will surely come too soon for the forward.

The Everton man will bolster the team’s attacking options and should pad out the squad quite nicely. 

Sunderland will need a wealth of attacking options this season if they are to succeed.