Have you ever seen a Mackem in Milan, sang Newcastle United. Sunderland have responded emphatically, securing a seventh-place Premier League finish on their big return last year, securing a place in the Europa League.

The lots have now been drawn, and Regis Le Bris' side will take on AC Milan at the San Siro, sure to be a momentous occasion for a resurgent outfit who have plumbed unthinkable depths only to resurface on higher ground than Wearside has seen for many, many years.

After emerging from the Championship last year, the Black Cats spent freely, signing numerous players with the quality to prevent relegation. Sunderland did that and then some.

But the current window has proved tougher to navigate, and with only days remaining until Tuesday's deadline, Le Bris is still seeking a right-sided forward to complete his frontline.

How Sunderland can strengthen in attack

Interest in the powerful Brian Brobbey has been dispelled. The Dutch frontman will remain at the Stadium of Light, and Wilson Isidor has signed a new contract with the club, offering a challenge at No. 9.

Creativity was not exactly the ally of the Wearside outfit last season, even as they eclipsed expectations, and that needs changing - with last weekend's 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Ipswich Town illustrating the need for new attackers, namely in attack.

Geny Catamo remains the focus on the right flank. The Sporting CP winger has been the subject of a series of bids throughout the summer, but the powers that be appear hesitant to meet the Portuguese giants' £34m asking price. Time is running out.

Out on the left, it looks like Marseille's Igor Paixao is the top target to reinforce the ranks, though the two clubs are making minimal progress in negotiations as the deadline looms large. Paixao scored six goals and provided five assists in Ligue 1 last season, endowed with blistering pace and an incisive, inswinging style.

However, Le Bris will be determined not to leave himself short-changed, and if the move to sign the Brazilian winger falls through, it's crucial that the perfect fallback is earmarked and signed in good time.

How Sunderland can upgrade on Catamo & Paixao

Both Catamo and Paixao have qualities that would cement them as key figures in the Sunderland attacking machine, but Le Bris knows the importance of trying to build on last year's success, and he might have his eye on an even bigger fish as the window approaches the final stage.

According to recent reports from France, Sunderland have positioned themselves this weekend as they look to explore a deal for Lyon star Malick Fofana, challenging newly-promoted Hull City for the winger's signature.

The Tigers have already submitted a €35m (£30m) offer, while Roma have an agreement on personal terms with the player. Sunderland have options as they look to sign a new right-sider, but they will need to act quickly.

Belgium international Fofana scored off the bench as Lyon defeated Toulouse to making it a winning start to their Ligue 1 campaign one week ago, rebounding after ankle surgery last year which limited him to only nine league starts in 2025/26.

He was so impressive during the 2024/25 season, with journalist Antonio Mango drawing attention to his “game-changing potential”. Paixao brings a similarly physical and athletic style, with an edge in front of goal, but Fofana is still only 21 and could yet grow into a superstar, far outstripping the Brazilian.

Such speed and potency could see him mark an upgrade on Paixao, but also Catamo, who he could outshine on the alternate wing, adding dimensions and width to an outfit who have established themselves and now need to add the kind of flair and glitter that will avoid a slide back toward the relegation zone - while looking to wade deep into the Europa League too.

Sunderland are not quite at the standard that they cemented for so many months last season. Without support from a couple of new wingers, such as Paixao, Catamo or Fofana, there's a real concern that this ambitious project will fall by the wayside.