SUMMER recruit Reece James thinks Jack Ross has already made a strong impression on the Sunderland squad by trying to get his players playing a nice brand of football.

James is one of seven new signings,, with more to follow in the coming weeks ahead of the League One opener with Charlton.

Ross’ attempts to add more fresh faces is only likely to increase when outgoing deals are confirmed, and Wahbi Khazri is close to leaving.

St Etienne are trying to tie up the paperwork ahead of a deal worth initially £7m, rising to £9m.

Sunderland are still looking to strengthen in the forward and defensive areas in particular, and trialist Anton Forrester is expected to be given a second chance against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park this afternoon.

Ross also ran the rule over four trialists at Sunderland RCA this week when the Under-23s fielded former West Brom and Aston Villa goalkeeper Max Johnstone, 19, and ex-Oldham and Fylde midfielder Mason Fawns.

Even though the recruitment process is far from complete, Ross has made a favourable impression on the Sunderland squad.

James, who played full-back at Darlington on Tuesday, said: “The manager has been really good, absolutely fantastic. I think everyone’s said the exact same thing. Everything we’ve done has been complete football, he’s got his message across well and I think everyone’s buying into what he’s doing.

“So far his man-management has been absolutely brilliant. He’s been so approachable and the message he wants to get across to the players has been brilliant.

“The style of football he wants us to play, he wants us to try to get the ball down, to try to play and play the ball out from the back. Any player, especially one who’s come through an academy like Manchester United’s as I have, wants to do that.

“We don’t want to be getting it at our feet and just looking long every time. That’s the message the manager wants to get across to us all.”

James is expected to stay in the team at Hartlepool, where more than 2,000 Sunderland supporters have already bought tickets. There are also cash turnstiles available so more are expected to turn up on the day.

It is the second pre-season friendly of the summer for Ross’ side (3pm) and tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for Over-60s and Under-16s (ID will be required).

Sunderland have lost a promising young goalkeeper this week. Michael Woud has left Wearside to join Eredivisie side Willem II.

The 19-year-old, who was recently capped at senior level for New Zealand, spent three seasons at Sunderland following a 2015 move from Wanderers Youth, but will now test himself in the Dutch top-flight.