The Black Cats have already been the subject of speculation over their summer spending in the wake of manager Roy Keane's admission that he could match or even exceed last season's £44million recruitment drive.

But Quinn is refusing to panic as supporters eagerly await the first breakthrough.

quality players

He said: "A lot of things are happening behind the scenes, but players are away and it is very hard to get these quality players.

"People are probably waiting and anxious that we make signings, but we have to do it properly and we have to get quality now.

"There is no point in signing players to keep people happy. We have to make sure we get the ones we are after.

"Roy and I had a good chat the other night looking at the state of play, talking about the various inquiries we have made and what the chances are of achieving the kind of player that we need at the club. When I played, I never realised how hard it would be get players who would really improve the team."