SUNDERLAND will make Robert Snodgrass, Ross McCormack and Grant Leadbitter their three key priorities in the final ten days of the transfer window.

Simon Grayson is hoping to make three more additions before the transfer window closes a week on Thursday, although he could pursue additional targets if a number of key players leave, with Lamine Kone, Didier Ndong and Wahbi Khazri continuing to attract significant interest.

He is keen to be reunited with Snodgrass, having worked with the West Ham United midfielder during his time at Leeds United, and while he accepts it will be impossible to complete a permanent move for the Scotsman, a loan deal remains a realistic ambition.

Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain will discuss a potential loan with the West Ham hierarchy in the next 24 hours, although the Black Cats will need the Hammers to pay a significant proportion of Snodgrass’ wages, which are understood to be around £70,000-a-week.

“I can tell you now that we won’t be buying Robert Snodgrass because of the fee and wages that come with it,” said Grayson. “The only way we’ll get him is a loan deal. There won’t be too many clubs able to afford him in the Championship, if they can they have serious money. But he’s a player I like and will ask the question about his availability, like a lot of other managers.”

Grayson is also hoping to secure a season-long loan for McCormack, with Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce keen to see the striker leave Villa Park before the transfer window closes.

McCormack was not in the squad for Villa’s 4-2 win over Norwich City on Saturday, and Sunderland are hoping to tie up a deal before the weekend.

It could prove more difficult to prise Leadbitter from Middlesbrough, but the midfielder has not been featuring under Garry Monk and appears to be surplus to requirements on Wearside.

“We will be stronger after the window shuts because of players coming back,” said Grayson. “(Bryan) Oviedo is making good progress and will be in the squad on Tuesday. (Jack) Rodwell is still to come back, as will (Paddy) McNair and (Duncan) Watmore. Hopefully, we’ll also have one or two additions.”