Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has revealed manager Ricky Sbragia is approaching the transfer windows as long-term targets.

He told SAFC-TV: "We always have a plan around six months ahead. One of the interesting things about the recent transfer window is that Ricky got the job just before it opened.

"He didn't want to sign players he had not seen personally and that was reflected in his policy.

"Of the players who came in, Tal Ben-Haim worked with Ricky at Bolton and we have seen Calum Davenport play week in, week out.

"We will see what those loan deals come to at the end of the season.

"Ricky is already scouting for next season. Clubs always take a punt on buying a player, but Ricky wants his punt to be as structured as possible."