Sunderland manager David Moyes has admitted that he was left frustrated in his search for attacking reinforcements during this summer's transfer window.
The Black Cats brought in eight new players before yesterday's 11pm deadline, but failed to provide back-up for 33-year-old striker Jermain Defoe.
A three-month injury layoff for Fabio Borini leaves Sunderland in even shorter supply up front, and Moyes hinted that he could look to free agents to provide depth.
"We worked incredibly hard to try to get a striker in all through the window," he told the Sunderland Echo.
"We didn't get anything late on, which we thought we would do. We may have to go and look into somebody who could give us an alternative for coming off the bench or a wee bit of back-up through the season."
Youngsters Duncan Watmore and Joel Asoro are possibilities to fill in for Defoe, while Emmanuel Adebayor is a notable name available on a free transfer.
