Former Sunderland star Danny Collins has advised the Black Cats to bring in an experienced midfielder to help Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah.
Sunderland are eyeing promotion this season and they are currently seventh in the Championship table with 40 points from 27 games.
Michael Beale is looking to bring in players to strengthen his team in the ongoing window and a striker is on his agenda.
However, Collins is of the view that Beale also needs to sign an experienced midfielder who will be able to sit behind Corry Evans to provide Ekwah and Neil with the licence to go forward and play their game.
When asked about the positions the Sunderland boss needs to reinforce in the ongoing window, Collins told Sunderland’s media: “Middle of the park, a little bit of experience in there.
“I think at times today [against Ipswich Town on Saturday] Dan and Pierre are similar types of players in a way for me; they both like to get on the ball, try and tick us over and make things happen, but for me, they are perhaps better a little bit higher up the pitch as well, where you have your natural sitting central midfielder just tucked in behind Corry Evans.
“So someone in there with a little bit of experience and to free them up a little bit to go and play a little bit higher to try to go and get a goal or two as well, chipping in.”
Sunderland have been linked with a host of players in the ongoing window, but they have yet to sign anyone.
