Sunderland legend delivers a transfer message and outlines a key priority

And he also believes that pace should be a priority for the club as they look to make their first signing of the close season.

The Black Cats are on the hunt for a host of new faces as Lee Johnson and Kristjaan Speakman continue to reshape the squad they inherited from Phil Parkinson.

Seven players were released at the end of their contracts and with a further four still weighing-up their futures after being offered fresh terms, it looks set to be a busy summer at the Academy of Light.

Sunderland are yet to make a breakthrough in the transfer market – although are understood to be close to a signing to bolster their under-23 ranks – and the hard work continues behind the scenes.

But while there may be a temptation from some to splash the cash in a bid to build a promotion-winning squad, former defender Bennett has warned Louis-Dreyfus and the club’s executive team that a spending free-for-all may not be the answer.

"It's finding that balance,” he said, speaking to The Echo.

"But we've got to be sensible. We've tried to splash the cash. Is that going to bring you success? A lot of people will say no because we've been down that road and if at the end of the season you don't get your rewards then it can be costly.

"I just think that we've got to be sensible. Yes, there'll be one or two players that you might push the boat out for - but you need to be sensible.”

The Sunderland squad is in need of strengthening in a number of departments, with several areas lacking in depth at present.

But Bennett feels there is one key attribute lacking from the squad that will need to be addressed this summer

"Pace is one thing that stands out and has stood out for a few seasons now,” he added.

"The pace in the team and the mobility need to be much better than what we've got.”

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