Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio: 'We need to sign three more players'

Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has revealed that he wants to sign two more full-backs along with a creative midfield player.

The Italian has already recruited nine players this summer including Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini and American Jozy Altidore.

Meanwhile, midfielder Alfred N'Diaye is close to leaving the Stadium of Light, with Turkish side Eskiehirspor reportedly closing in on a deal.

Di Canio told the Shields Gazette: "We need two full-backs to challenge for places and one central midfield player. We don't know what will happen with Alfred yet. There is a process.

"But even if he doesn't leave, in my opinion we need a specific player with specific characteristics in there. In the way I want to play, I want someone in the middle who can play with Cabral, Seb [Larsson] or even Alfred.

"Someone who brings the keys to the house - an intelligent player with fantastic ability."

Sunderland will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the first match of the Barclays Asia Trophy later today.