SUNDERLAND will send Jermain Defoe for a scan on his injured thigh, but remain confident their attacking talisman will be available for the opening game of the Premier League season at Manchester City.

Defoe has not been involved in either of the Black Cats’ friendlies in France this week after damaging his thigh in training, and the former England international will also sit out Saturday’s game against Montpellier.

Instead, he will have a scan to confirm the extent of his injury, but Sunderland’s medical staff expect him to be available for the trip to the Etihad Stadium on August 13.

Defoe’s problem is not believed to be especially serious, but David Moyes is adamant he does not want to take any unnecessary risks given the lack of attacking options within his squad.

Fabio Borini can play as an orthodox striker, with youngster Joel Asoro also capable of playing up front, as proved by his impressive display against Dijon, but with Danny Graham and Steven Fletcher having left at the end of last season, the Black Cats desperately need attacking reinforcements as they prepare for the new campaign.

The Portuguese press have linked the Wearsiders with a possible move for Benfica attacking midfielder Eduardo Salvio, but given that the Argentinian is valued at €25m by his current employers, it is hard to see Sunderland being able to broker a deal.

Moyes remains keen to re-sign Yann M’Vila following the midfielder’s successful loan spell last season, and has also discussed possible moves for Manchester United duo Adnan Januzaj and Will Keane.

The Sunderland boss is set to kick-start contract discussions with Jan Kirchhoff, with the German midfielder only having signed an 18-month contract when he moved from Bayern Munich last summer.

Kirchhoff made his first pre-season appearance in Wednesday’s win over Dijon, and having made an instant impact in the second half of last season, is keen to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light.

“I can imagine staying here at Sunderland,” said Kirchhoff. “I feel good here and I would like to stay. I think we will find a solution.

“There are always two sides – the club would like me to stay and I feel good here. It’s a good situation for both of us, and I am sure we will find a solution.”

Sunderland completed one piece of transfer business today as defender Adam Matthews joined Championship side Bristol City on a season-long loan.

Matthews joined Sunderland under Dick Advocaat last summer, but failed to make any kind of an impression as he managed just a solitary senior start.

He made nine loan appearances for Bristol City in the second half of last season, and Robins boss Lee Johnson is delighted to have re-signed him for the new campaign.

“I’m pleased to have Adam back with us,” said Johnson. “He did very well at the back end of last season, and certainly fits the bill in terms of quality and experience at this level.

“He’s still at a good age. I know he enjoyed his time here last season, and was delighted to come back, and I know the fans really took to him as well.”