Manchester United striker Michael Owen remains a target for Sunderland.
The People says Sunderland are chasing a couple of free agents, with Cardiff contract rebel Jay Bothroyd, 29, close to signing, and Manchester United’s Owen, 31, still a target.
The Sunderland boss knows he needs more firepower after Darren Bent moved to Aston Villa in January.
He faces losing of Danny Welbeck, on loan from Manchester United, and Fraizer Campbell is likely to miss most of next season after a knee op.
