SUNDERLAND are in need of a much-needed lift and have received a timely double boost in efforts to strengthen Dick Advocaat’s squad – if the Dutchman wants to act on it.

The Black Cats have learned attempts to lure Adnan Januzaj to the Stadium of Light have taken a significant step forward after his potential replacement at Manchester United, Spanish winger Pedro, edged closer to leaving Barcelona.

And in Sunderland’s pursuit of a striker, it is understood Blackburn are more willing to listen to do business for Jordan Rhodes than they are with Middlesbrough.

Boro have pushed all summer to strike a deal worth around £14m for Rhodes – with an initial payment of around £8m – but Blackburn are determined not to sell to a Championship rival.

Rovers’ owners, Venky’s are though more open to the idea of selling to a top-flight club, like they did when the accepted Aston Villa’s £6m bid for Rudy Gestede.

Sunderland are weighing up whether to follow up tentative interest in Rhodes and firm up their interest in the Scotland striker, who has already hinted this summer that he is willing to move to the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough have tried to offer players as part of the deal which is an avenue Sunderland are exploring too, with the likes of Will Buckley, Liam Bridcutt and Danny Graham all possible makeweights on Wearside.

But the situation is complicated by the fact Blackburn, who have been slapped with a transfer embargo under Financial Fair Play regulations, are not allowed to involve players heading to Ewood as part of any outgoing sales.

Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer said: “They are the terms we are told. It would have to be a straight cash deal for anybody to try to buy him. But it goes back to the owners and if they’re not happy it doesn’t get done.”

Following the sale of Gestede to Villa and Josh King to Bournemouth there is a belief that any deal for Rhodes would see the transfer embargo lifted. That would then enable Blackburn to strike an independent deal for an unwanted Sunderland player, which could have been effectively teed up beforehand.

Sunderland are examining their options in the transfer market first, although the indications are that Rhodes is very much on the radar and Advocaat is keen to see fresh faces soon.

The Dutch boss has added five new signings already this summer and the last of those could be introduced to the Premier League stage against Norwich City on Saturday.

Frenchman Yann M’Vila escaped a top-flight ban for his sending off against the Canaries’ Jamar Loza during the Under-21s fixture on Sunday. His headbutt has not ruled him out of first team action, even though he now faces a three-game ban at Under-21 level.

Sunderland lacked cohesion all over the pitch and were defensively shambolic, so Advocaat is weighing up ways of ensuring his team become more solid after the sorry 4-2 defeat at Leicester.

And, even if he is not introduced to the starting line-up this Saturday, the longer term view is that M‘Vila could be thrust in to the middle of Sunderland’s midfield alongside or instead of Lee Cattermole.

Advocaat, who recommended the signing after learning the France international was unsettled at Russian club Rubin Kazan, said: “He is a controlling player rather than box to box.

“He is more a passer of the ball, picks a great pass and a quick pass. He does well with that and is a quick thinker. He will make a big difference to the team.”