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Sunderland's interest in Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson signals the Black Cats’ intention to make better use of the domestic loan market this season.

The Wearsiders were linked with full-back Jenkinson over the weekend, reports suggesting they are prepared to pay a £2m loan fee to bring the England international to the club.

However, Sunderland will face stiff competition for the 23-year-old, West Ham keen to bring him back to Upton Park after he spent a successful loan spell there last term.

Whether the Wearsiders win the battle for Jenkinson’s signature or not, the Black Cats’ move indicates they are scouring the loan market for reinforcements.

Last season, Sunderland used just one of the two domestic loans Premier League rules permit, Sebastian Coates joining from Liverpool.

However, with new head coach Dick Advocaat insisting he will need up to half a dozen quality signings to bring the squad up to scratch and avoid a repeat of the relegation battles of recent seasons, the Black Cats are exploring all avenues.

Owner Ellis Short has guaranteed Advocaat significant funding will be available to sign players.

However, that money will stretch further if sporting director Lee Congerton can supplement the summer buys with a full complement of domestic loans. While a £2m loan fee for Jenkinson is undoubtedly steep, it is only a fraction of his market value.

Arsenal are understood to have no intention of selling him in any case – and a loan deal would suit all parties.

With Jenkinson at right-back and Patrick van Aanholt at left-back, Sunderland would have genuine pace in both full-back positions – a quality vital to the 4-3-3 system preferred by Advocaat. The Dutchman is intent on revamping the squad from top to bottom this summer and so far the focus has been on the defence.

Sunderland agreed a new one-year deal with veteran centre-back Wes Brown at the end of last week and released experienced full-back Anthony Reveillere. The Black Cats also want to sign Coates – who is away on Copa America duty with Uruguay – on a permanent basis.