SUNDERLAND have turned their attentions to former Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes after struggling to make progress on other attacking targets.

Rhodes could be available before this Thursday’s transfer deadline, even though he only officially made the full-time switch to Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer.

He has struggled to make an impact at Hillsborough since joining initially on loan on February 1 and he is behind ex-Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher and Gary Hooper in the Owls’ pecking order.

Rhodes' situation has alerted a number of clubs, with Wolves known to be keen too. However, Sunderland have also been in touch with Sheffield Wednesday to discuss his availability.

Rhodes would be happy enough to work under Simon Grayson again, having previously done so during his prolific spell with Huddersfield Town.

The former Blackburn front-man is desperate to get his career back on track after a frustrating 18 months since moving to Middlesbrough where he hardly got a chance under Aitor Karanka.

Sunderland have had to look at alternatives like Rhodes because of a constant struggle to add to Grayson’s squad. A lot could hinge on how much money is raised by player sales before the deadline.

Grayson has effectively been forced to give up on bringing Jordan Hugill over from his former club Preston. The player’s valuation has increased from £2.5m to £8m over the last few weeks.

Reading and Wolves have both stated they have given up on that front, and Sunderland have also been left clear that Preston do not want to sell him.

Preston manager Alex Neil said: “I wouldn’t say keeping our players is the biggest thing this window. They’re our players and we don’t need to sell them. It’s not as if anybody’s got a gun to our head and we need to get rid of them.”

Grayson has tried to remain confident that Sunderland would be able to bring in Ross McCormack from Aston Villa. Having already lost out to the Villans in the battle for Rob Snodgrass’ signature, though, he is not taking anything for granted.

Sunderland are still in the market for Middlesbrough skipper Grant Leabditter, who only has one year remaining on his deal at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough have adamant that Leadbitter is going nowhere as things stand because Garry Monk wants him to be part of the push for promotion on Teesside. They are also not keen to sell to a Championship rival - even if he can leave next summer.

The level of activity on the recruitment front this week could well be determined by what players leave, with Sunderland happy to listen to offers for a number of players.

One of those is Wahbi Khazri. The Tunisian infuriated supporters by admitting he wanted to leave in an interview he conducted in France and he was then booed when he was introduced as a substitute at Barnsley on Saturday.

Khazri, who cost £9m when he arrived 18 months ago, has now gone onto social media site Instagram to claim he will always give everything while he is on Wearside – even if he does hint he would still like to go.

“Since my arrival in Sunderland, I am proud to wear the colours of the jersey, I have always invested 100 per cent,” Khazri wrote. “I love football and the enthusiasm it brings.

“It is true that during my last interview I expressed my desire to leave, because following my year pass that, as you all know, was very difficult for me and for the club.

“Today I need to play football, as for you it is also my passion, and like any passion It is difficult to do without it, so yes I am listening to sports project.

“However I wanted to say that it remains a difficult choice for me because I like to be at Sunderland contrary to what has been said about me.

“I am far from demotivated and I would always fight for my team. I would always have respect for the club and its supporters who welcomed me and never gave up even in difficulty.”