Hope for a new centre back by next week.

Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia is hopeful that Sunderland will be signing a deal with a new defender before the Fulham game.

Ricky Sbragia

Current rumours in the media are pointing towards Bolton defender Danny Shittu, but the Bolton defender is one of many names to have been linked to a move to the Stadium of Light in the last few weeks.

Sbragia said, "A defender has always been the No.1 priority, but we might have to do it a bit quicker now."

"I have spent a lot of time working on possible replacements in the last couple of days. Hopefully we will get one before the Fulham game."