Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill faces a difficult summer market after it was revealed the club has suffered heavy financial losses.

The Mirror says O'Neill is facing a fight for transfer-market cash with his Sunderland boss Ellis Short after the club revealed a £27million loss.

O'Neill retains Short's backing, but the tycoon will order a major review of the Black Cats' footballing operation at the end of the season.

US businessman Short will have to dig deep yet again if O'Neill is to get his wish to rebuild his squad quickly, after the club announced yet another massive loss - one which doesn't even include the combined £20m spent Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson last August.

Sunderland's turnover was £78m in the year ending July 31, 2012, but their player trading and amortisation, wage bill and match costs totalled £104m - leaving Short to decide how long he goes on subsidising the Wearsiders.