With the League One salary cap now fully enforced, the Black Cats could look towards younger players in a bid to bolster their ranks without eating-up space under the cap.
And a glance at the top flight shows some exceptional under-21 players who could be available.
So which Premier League youngsters could be on Lee Johnson’s transfer wishlist? We take a look:
![The 19-year-old is the top scorer in Premier League 2, Division 1 this season - with eight goals already to his name. He’s clinical and powerful in and around the area and has some pace to burn when allowed to run at a backline. A loan move could be a logical next step in his progression.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjg2MzM5MDM2LTcxNTItNGE3Yi1iMWIwLTM1YjZmNDVkYTIxZTphNDU4ODNjZi1iMDIyLTQ1ZDgtYjFhMS0wMjIxYjk2OWFlNjQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. ELLIS SIMMS (EVERTON)
The 19-year-old is the top scorer in Premier League 2, Division 1 this season - with eight goals already to his name. He’s clinical and powerful in and around the area and has some pace to burn when allowed to run at a backline. A loan move could be a logical next step in his progression. Photo: Emma Simpson - Everton FC
![Having only just turned 18, City may be keen to keep hold of McAtee for slightly longer before allowing him out on loan. But if a temporary move is sanctioned, then there will be no shortage of clubs keen on a move for a dynamic attacking midfielder - who can play in a variety of positions.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjMwNDMyYWU1LTgzMTEtNGM2NS1hMGZkLTg1ZWRhMmNlNjdlZDpkNzg1ODQ3NS1mNWY3LTQ3NmMtODA1Yy1mNTBkZGIzNDQ5Yzg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
2. JAMES McATEE (MANCHESTER CITY)
Having only just turned 18, City may be keen to keep hold of McAtee for slightly longer before allowing him out on loan. But if a temporary move is sanctioned, then there will be no shortage of clubs keen on a move for a dynamic attacking midfielder - who can play in a variety of positions. Photo: Matt McNulty - Manchester City
![Balogun has already made an impression on the first-team at the Emirates Stadium and is highly-regarded at Arsenal. In reality, if he were allowed to go out on loan then there would likely be heavy interest from the Championship - but he’s certainly the mould of player Sunderland will be looking at.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjc4MDNmNDAzLTViOWItNDMzZC04MGQyLWMzOTEyYjI0ZGVlNDplOTc4MTE3NS1mODVjLTQ3ZWQtYTI3MS0xYzJjY2YyYzBkMjE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. FLORIAN BALOGUN (ARSENAL)
Balogun has already made an impression on the first-team at the Emirates Stadium and is highly-regarded at Arsenal. In reality, if he were allowed to go out on loan then there would likely be heavy interest from the Championship - but he’s certainly the mould of player Sunderland will be looking at. Photo: James Chance
![The Swedish forward has scored four goals in 11 games in Premier League 2 so far this term and has shown a versatility in playing across the front-line. He’s powerful and has plenty of pace, so could be a good fit for the Black Cats.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjM0YjliNzgwLTllZDAtNGE0Yy05Y2RiLWZkNjM3YmJhNWJiZDpmZDJkZTU3Ny1hNDM5LTQ5MDItOGNhZS00YTdiNjZkNGQwNjM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. ANTHONY ELANGA (MANCHESTER UNITED)
The Swedish forward has scored four goals in 11 games in Premier League 2 so far this term and has shown a versatility in playing across the front-line. He’s powerful and has plenty of pace, so could be a good fit for the Black Cats. Photo: Nathan Stirk