Sunderland have just two league games remaining this season – while the club’s recruitment team will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
The Black Cats were tracking several players during the January transfer window and are bound to be linked with more names in the coming months. For fun, following recent speculation, we’ve put together a possible Sunderland starting XI and bench if the rumours turn out to be true:
5. CB: Dan Ballard
West Ham were reportedly interested in the 24-year-old defender last summer, yet Ballard signed a new deal at Sunderland in August. The centre-back has been a key player for the Black Cats this season. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
6. CM: Dan Neil
While Neil's impressive performances will have attracted interest this season, the Sunderland academy graduate agreed a new deal on Wearside last year, which will run until the summer of 2026. The 22-year-old has talked about his desire to reach the Premier League with his boyhood club Photo: Ed Sykes
7. CM: Skelly Alvero
Sunderland reportedly enquired about the 21-year-old midfielder in January, yet Alvero signed for German side Werder Bremen on loan from Lyon instead. Bremen have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of this season. The Frenchman has only made five appearances off the bench since his move to Germany. Photo: OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE
8. RW: Liam Millar
Millar has impressed on loan at Preston this season, scoring five goals and providing five assists during a loan spell from Swiss side Basel. It was claimed in January that Sunderland had identified the 24-year-old as a potential replacement for Jack Clarke. The Black Cats have turned down multiple offers for Clarke over the last year and will face a big challenge to keep him this summer. Photo: George Wood