SUNDERLAND are just as close to losing a member of their first team squad as they are to strengthening Dick Advocaat’s team after a frustrating start to the new season.

The Black Cats, who are working on a deal to bring Napoli midfielder Jonathan de Guzman back to the Premier League before the transfer window shuts on September 1, are in discussions with Italian clubs keen on taking Emanuele Giaccherini back to Serie A.

Bologna have so far failed to persuade the Premier League club to part with the £8.6m signing for a reduced £5m fee because, media reports in Italy claim, Sunderland are asking for a hefty loan fee instead.

Giaccherini has struggled to make an impact at the Stadium of Light since arriving two years ago from Juventus. Opportunities have been restricted to just 18 league starts and that has not been helped by a succession of injury problems.

Both Advocaat and his predecessor Gus Poyet suggested during their respective pre-seasons in charge that they hoped Giaccherini could come good.

However, it would seem that he is now on the verge of leaving Wearside at a time when Sunderland could actually do with a player of his quality – if he can recapture his top form.

De Guzman, a 14-time Dutch international, would be a suitable replacement and has proven experience of the English game having had a two-year stint at Swansea City before leaving for Napoli 12 months ago. The deal would be an initial loan with a view to a permanent £3.5m arrangement.

Sunderland hope to boost their forward options over the next ten days and have tried unsuccessfully to take Fabio Borini back to the club which he was reluctant to return to 12 months ago.

Sunderland are one of a number of clubs who have been offered Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato, although they have so far opted against making an offer for a player regarded in the £7m bracket after a much-needed return to form by Corinthians.

Sunderland are not in a strong enough position to offload any more forwards following Connor Wickham’s £9m move to Crystal Palace. Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has admitted he admires Jermain Defoe, but has not made an offer.

The situation is hardly ideal for Sunderland ahead of tomorrow’s visit of in-form Swansea City. Defensively Advocaat’s team have been dreadful in the opening two games of the campaign and one or two changes to the back four are envisaged, with John O’Shea favourite to slot in.

Despite spending £6m on centre-backs Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Coates this summer, Sunderland are keeping an eye on Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji.

But if Advocaat does want the £5m-rated Senegal international, 27, on board then he will have to act quickly following a bid from Turkish club Trabzonspor for his services.

Djilobodji’s agent Chris Nathaniel said: “Papy has been doing wonders in France and wants to try his luck in England. He is now looking for a new challenge and the Premier League is the place for him to do that.”