Sunderland captain John O’Shea hopes head coach Dick Advocaat can strengthen the Black Cats squad before the transfer window closes.

Sunderland began their Premier League campaign with a limp display in the 4-2 defeat at Leicester City on Saturday and are now 2.10 to be relegated this season.

Adam Johnson is set to be out of action for eight weeks with a shoulder injury while Advocaat has been linked with loan swoops for Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj and Liverpool striker Fabio Borini.

Januzaj has had few chances to impress at Old Trafford since Louis van Gaal was installed as United boss while Borini scored seven times in 32 Premier League appearances during a season-long loan spell at the Stadium of Light during the 2013-14 season.

Former Manchester United stalwart O’Shea said: “There’s still obviously a couple of weeks to go in the transfer window, so in a couple of weeks we will know the full depth of our squad.

“If we do get a few additions in, you would be hoping that’s the competition that the manager spoke about for increasing the depth of the squad, but also the quality of the squad.

“It’s improving on last season, it’s always the case. You are hoping to improve on last season, without a doubt.”

Sunderland take on promoted Norwich City this weekend and are available at 2.50 to win the game while the Canaries are 3.00 to triumph in the Stadium of Light clash. The draw is 3.10.