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Sunderland are making attempts to sign players in the January window but transfer activity is at the mercy of selling clubs, says sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.

The Wearsiders are keen to add to their squad, notably in the forwards with the aim of finding an out-and-out striker.

However, business across the board has been slow as clubs work to complete deals before the 1 February deadline.

"We've a couple of permanent offers in," Speakman told ����ý Radio Newcastle.

"There are a couple of loan offers on the table, both of which we're waiting on clubs to come back to us.

"It's a slightly frustrating perspective, but you've got to be respectful to the fact that if players are registered to clubs then it's up to them to determine whether they want to let them out on loan or on a permanent deal.

"It's not all under our control, that doesn't make it a financial conversation, it just means it's a timing issue and a squad management issue for that club."

Michael Beale's side have lost their past three games in league and cup competition, last recording victory over Preston North End in the Championship on New Year's Day.

While Speakman admitted there is a focus on left-back cover and for a new striker or forward, there is a sense of quality rather than just quantity about their potential business.

"For us we're looking for good players to come in and enhance and improve the group," he added.

"We've definitely got a couple of priority positions we've spent a lot of time and a lot of focus on.

"We're always looking across the squad which I think you have to do, for who can complement the team, and be in the squad and come and complement what we're trying to do as a football club."