Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio is aiming for six new signings this summer.

The Evening Chronicle says Di Canio wants to bring in half-a-dozen new faces this summer to bolster Sunderland's paper-thin squad.

With the Black Cats now certain of survival, the Italian is already turning his attention to revamping the squad he inherited when he succeeded Martin O'Neill at the end of March in order to avoid a repeat of this season's grim relegation battle.

Asked if he was looking for six or seven new signings, Di Canio smiled: "Yes that number could be a right, a bit less or a bit more, it depends.

"But approximately, the number is right. We will see.

"We need more than a few. I don't want to say 'a lot', because you never know what 'a lot' means, but we need to refresh the squad for many reasons.

"We've had big problems with injuries and having to play many young players.

"I want to play attacking football, and if we miss some players in crucial areas..."