Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has told Football Insider that it is a big concern that the club are yet to have replaced Charlie Wyke this summer. 

The former Black Cats striker departed the Stadium of Light this summer and signed for Wigan Athletic in a move that surprised many a supporter and neutral.

As a result of this, Sunderland lost a player who scored the best part of 41 goals during his time with the club and are yet to have found an adequate replacement as the Sky Bet League One season gets underway tomorrow.

Speaking recently, Phillips was quick to stress that he is very wary of the current situation at the club:

"It's a massive concern.

"I've spoke to a few Sunderland fans and they are quite glad Wyke has left the football club.

"But to lose that amount of goals from your side and not to replace them is a big risk. If it wasn't for Wyke last season they would not have even made the play-offs."

The only striking options that Lee Johnson has at his disposal right now are Ross Stewart, Aiden O’Brien and Will Grigg, with the latter of the three still being linked with a move away from the North East.

Sunderland get their season underway tomorrow when they play host to Wigan Athletic at the Stadium of Light.

The Verdict 

I think I have to agree on Phillips with this one as it has been strange to see Sunderland not go out of their way to replace Wyke this summer.

It could come back to bite them as the season progresses and in truth, I would be shocked if they don't bring in a new forward player.

They need an extra player who can make a difference in tight games and I don't think they have that sort of player within their striking ranks at present.

It'll be intriguing to see what sort of player, if any, that Johnson brings in to fill that position.