HOWARD WILKINSON wants to make Sweden midfielder Pontus Farnerud his first signing as Sunderland manager after admitting he needs to strengthen "four areas" of his team.

As Wilkinson confirmed he was making progress on two deals, it emerged last night Sunderland had spoken to Farnerud's club Monaco about the 22-year-old.

Monaco are facing huge financial problems after failing to find a buyer and are looking to alleviate their worries during the transfer window.

Farnerud has leapt to the top of Wilkinson's hit list after Sunderland's midfield was ravaged by injury and illness ahead of today's FA Cup third round trip to Bolton.

Kevin Kilbane, who has excelled in central midfield under Wilkinson, will be absent after suffering ankle ligament damage against Manchester United.

Farnerud, who is also wanted by French clubs Rennes and Lille, could be available on loan until the end of the season - an arrangement that would suit Sunderland, given their barren transfer war chest.

Wilkinson said: "I've got two deals in particular that are on-going. I'm trying to bring somebody in, but on-going is all I can say. I've got to prioritise what's important for us.

"If the midfield situation worsened in terms of us losing one more experienced player, we could be down to zero.

"I've identified four priority areas but I haven't got any money.

"I'm looking at either loans or swaps, or letting someone go out to allow someone to come in with the funds raised.

"The money situation hasn't changed, nor will it change in the next three weeks unless someone has a change of mind. And no-one has been banging on our window looking for our players."

Wilkinson took a severely depleted squad across the Pennines last night, his plans for a good start to their FA Cup campaign shattered by the injury crisis.

John Oster could make his first Sunderland start since March 2001 against Bolton as Wilkinson shuffles his pack, with Kilbane definitely out and Paul Thirlwell and Gavin McCann doubtful.

Thomas Sorensen is in line to replace Jurgen Macho, who has a thigh problem, while Kevin Phillips has a similar injury and may also be omitted.

The midfield headache has persuaded Wilkinson not to allow Nicolas Medina to link up with the Argentina squad for three friendlies next month.

The Sunderland boss said: "Darren Williams comes into the picture, but after that you're looking at inexperience.

"Medina is in the squad, and the events of the last week have proved me right in that our needs are greater than Argentina's needs.

"Kevin Kilbane got a whack on the calf at Old Trafford and that will probably be all right.

"But he also has some ankle ligament damage which will not be all right for Bolton. Hopefully, he'll be fit for next week. Gavin McCann isn't 100 per cent fit because his virus has taken more out of him than if he'd played in a game.

"Paul Thirlwell has a hernia problem, and I'll speak to the doctor about the whole situation before picking the team."

Mark Rossiter and Kevin Kyle could also be on duty today, with captain Michael Gray out until next week with a hamstring injury.

Sunderland drew 1-1 at Bolton in Wilkinson's second game in charge in October - the match that saw Claudio Reyna sustain cruciate ligament damage.

The manager confirmed last night that the United States midfielder will miss the remainder of Sunderland's relegation battle.

He added: "Claudio has got a lot of hard work ahead of him. He's got to be looking at starting next pre-season."

Wilkinson is adamant his players have displayed the stomach needed to fight relegation.

He said: "You'd have had to be blind not to notice the character and spirit in our team in the last few games. That is not engendered by people who've got moans or complaints. I think we're all in agreement as to our priorities, and people accept the club and its future is bigger than any individual in it."

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