SUNDERLAND are closing in on three more new signings and manager Jack Ross wants to follow those up by landing the strikers he wants too.

On a day when Callum McManaman completed his move away from Wearside by signing a one-year deal with former club Wigan, the Black Cats were left plotting their next move.

Having had an offer for Cheltenham’s Mohamed Eisa turned down and learning Bradford will do what they can to keep Charlie Wyke, Ross is set to boost his options in other areas - for now.

Experienced defender Glenn Loovens is due on Wearside for a medical and to complete a move to the Stadium of Light, while Sunderland are keen on bringing in Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty. Reading are also thought to have accepted a £700,000 bid for George Evans.

Loovens is a free agent after leaving Sheffield Wednesday and at the age of 34 he will offer plenty experience to a relatively young Sunderland defence.

It is a signing that could have been wrapped up sooner but the Dutchman has just returned from holiday. He will not face Ross’ former club St Mirren on Saturday afternoon.

Loovens is viewed as the ideal man to come in and compete with younger defenders Alim Ozturk and Tom Flanagan, and those are the only two recognised centre-backs available while Lamine Kone and Papy Djilobodji push for exits.

He has previously had spells with Real Zaragoza and Celtic so to have him available in League One should provide Sunderland with the sort of player with pedigree required to help develop team spirit in a new-look squad.

Docherty is available from Rangers this summer after Steven Gerrard indicated he could find it tough to play in his side this season. The 21-year-old is available for loan to gain first team experience and Sunderland have been given the option to sign him, which they are interested in having been unable to bring John McGinn in from Hibernian.

Docherty moved to Rangers from Hamilton in January and he has found opportunities hard to come by; he has started the first two games under Gerrard on the bench.

Sunderland have signed seven new players so far and the squad rebuild shows no signs of slowing down and will be helped by departures such as McManaman, who had outlined to owner Stewart Donald he was willing to stay and try to help Sunderland back up if the right offer didn't arrive.

Sunderland are having to increase their bids if they are to land the strikers they want.

Cheltenham are determined to get £1.5m for Eisa and they know that interest from Portsmouth and Championship interest is making it harder for Sunderland to get a deal done for less.

There is also interest from Peterborough but Sunderland feel they can persuade him to head to the North-East once they have agreed a fee. Eisa pulled out of Cheltenham’s friendly on Thursday with Evesham despite his manager saying he was fit to play. Bradford have been asking for £1m for former Middlesbrough forward Wyke.