SAM ALLARDYCE is only four matches into his reign as Sunderland manager, but is well on the way to understanding what areas of his squad needs improving when the transfer window opens in seven weeks’ time.

While there has not been any firm offers made for unsettled or out-of-favour players, Allardyce is developing a shortlist to target in a bid to strengthen.

The sight of Sunderland sitting deep in relegation trouble after 12 games proves the squad is in desperate need of new blood; even if there was approaching £30m spent on new players in the summer.

Sporting director Lee Congerton, who is working a 12-month notice, has names to push for after discussions with Allardyce.

Improving Sunderland’s defensive options is a priority, although there are other areas where he still thinks that changes can be made for him to implement the style of football he prefers his teams to adopt.

His former assistant Phil Brown, who rejected the chance to head to Wearside in favour of staying in charge at Southend, is convinced that “one or two really big players” will be brought in, which would hearten supporters. Allardyce is desperate to get things done early too, in the hope of avoiding “taking players for the sake of it” at the end of January.

But who is Allardyce, renowned for his wheeling and dealing, looking at? Here are six of the names being seriously considered and why:

JAMES COLLINS

The West Ham defender has only started three Premier League games under Slaven Bilic and will be available after Christmas at the right price. He is 32 and out of contract next summer, so a fee will be minimal. The Wales international was relied on at Upton Park by Allardyce.

ARTHUR MASUAKU

The French defender is someone the Sunderland manager knows all about. Allardyce has been keeping tabs on him since his days with Valenciennes, having signed a number of players from the French league over the years.

The full-back would be interested in a move to the Premier League, although Olympiacos – who he joined in 2014 – are demanding a fee of more £7m or more following his impressive performances in the Champions League.

ANDROS TOWNSEND

The England winger has fallen out of favour at Tottenham but he is set to be reintegrated into the squad again after apologising for a fall-out with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner. Despite the smoothing of the problems with the coaching staff, it would still be a surprise to see him stay at White Hart Lane beyond January. He still has a further season to run on his contract.

The Northern Echo: Man of the moment - Andros Townsend celebrates his debut goal for England against Montenegro. Picture: JONATHAN BRADY

MORGAN AMALFITANO

The creative midfielder has plenty of options, particularly back in France, but Allardyce is a huge admirer after he was a key factor in West Ham’s form early last season.

Amalfitano, 30, is a free agent, so ticks the financial box at the Stadium of Light, after agreeing to have his contract torn up at Upton Park by mutual consent.

The Northern Echo: West Bromwich Albion's Morgan Amalfitano celebrates scoring his teams 3rd goal against Sunderland, during the Barclays Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich.  (42332448)

OGUZHAN OZYAKUP

The 23-year-old graduated through the Arsenal academy but ended up back in Turkey where he has impressed for Besiktas. Allardyce has kept an eye on him since the midfielder left the Gunners and has become a regular in the Turkey squad.

He will not come cheap though, with Besiktas’ value hovering around the £8m mark because of apparent interest from Arsene Wenger taking him back to the Emirates.

CHARLIE AUSTIN

One week he is staying at QPR and then next he is leaving; the bottom line is if there was a sizeable offer in January then the Hoops would be tempted to sell a player out of contract next summer.

The Northern Echo: Charlie Austin

The problem Allardyce will face in his pursuit of the striker is that Steve McClaren is an admirer too. Austin will not want to head straight back into another relegation battle after going down with QPR last season, but Allardyce wants a striker of his ilk and style.