Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris admits this summer's transfer window presents a tougher challenge than last year, as the club must juggle Premier League survival with preparations for a Europa League campaign, according to BBC News.
Le Bris says the club "have to be really precise" in the market this time around, with recruitment complicated by the added European fixture list and the need to strengthen a squad already adjusting to life back in the top flight following promotion.
So far, defender Thomas Meunier stands as the only permanent addition to arrive at the Stadium of Light this window, with Le Bris suggesting the search for the right profile of player has proven more difficult than last summer's rebuild.
The Black Cats boss did not elaborate on specific targets, but his comments underline the balancing act facing Sunderland as they look to add depth and quality capable of coping with a packed fixture schedule, while avoiding the kind of missteps that could hamper their return to English football's elite.