DICK ADVOCAAT bemoaned Sunderland’s defensive failings despite watching his side set up a Capital One Cup third-round clash with Manchester City.

Jermain Defoe’s hat-trick helped the Black Cats claim a remarkable 6-3 win over League Two Exeter City, with Jack Rodwell claiming two goals and substitute Duncan Watmore also finding the net as he celebrated his maiden call-up to the England Under-21 squad in style.

The victory has set up a home game with Manchester City in the week beginning September 21, a tie that will inevitably evoke memories of 2014’s League Cup final between the two sides at Wembley.

Last night’s vibrant attacking display was accompanied by another defensive performance littered with errors, and while Advocaat was pleased to see his side claim their first success of the season, he was understandably concerned by the lapses that enabled Exeter to score three goals in the first half.

“I am happy with the six goals, but totally unhappy with the way we gave the goals away at this level,” said the Sunderland head coach. “That has to improve and the players know that.

“There was a lack of concentration and sharpness, and that was the reason we conceded three goals I believe. That was a worry, and it is not the first time.

“We scored some beautiful goals, and that’s a good thing. Jermain scored three goals and Jack two, and I never had the feeling that they would beat us. I’m still concerned defensively about how we gave the chances away though.”

Advocaat has less than a week to secure defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes, and while he has been stressing the need for attacking additions in the last few days, the Dutchman is also hoping to recruit at the opposite end of the field.

Sunderland have looked at the possibility of signing Manchester City youngster Jason Denayer on loan, but the 20-year-old Belgian is on the verge of completing a move to Turkish side Galatasaray instead.

“There has been talk about the young guy from Manchester City (Denayer), but he is going to another club,” said Advocaat. “We are still looking, but when (Younes) Kaboul is fit, he is a very good player.”

The Black Cats are still hoping to sign Napoli midfielder Jonathan de Guzman, having agreed a €1.5m loan fee with the Italian club, with a view to a €4.5m permanent transfer next summer.

De Guzman has also been offered a move to Bournemouth, however, and is expected to reveal his preferred destination within the next 24 hours.

Sunderland continue to be linked with Swedish striker Ola Toivonen, with Rennes willing to sell the 29-year-old, who played under Advocaat at PSV Eindhoven.