How does Sunderland's wage bill compare with Premier League champions Leicester?

Figures released yesterday showed that the Black Cats wage bill rose from £60,902,000 in 2014 to £68,076,000 last year.

But how does that compare to the recently-crowned Premier League Champions Leicester City during the same time period?

While Leicester's wage bill also increased between 2014/15, it was still lower than what Sunderland's wage bill was in July 2014.

A statement on the Leicester City website read: "The increase in the size of the squad and higher levels of remuneration payable in the Premier League and under new contracts led to staff costs increasing to £57m, from £36.3m in 2014."

Although Sunderland initially breathed a little easier on their wage bill after the departures of Jozy Altidore to Toronto and Alfred N'Diaye to Real Betis, the arrivals of Jack Rodwell and Patrick van Aanholt, as well as new contracts for John O'Shea, Sebastian Larsson and Vito Mannone, saw the wage bill significantly rise over the 12 month period.

On the other hand, while working with a much smaller wage bill, Leicester also saw their figures increase with the arrival of defender Danny Simpson, midfielder Marc Albrighton and striker Leonardo Ulloa - all of whom played a huge part in the Foxes becoming the English Champions for the first time in their 132-year history.

It is expected though that over the next 12 months, both sides' wage bills will most probably rise again.

The new Premier League TV deal agreed last February means that clubs are likely to receive somewhere in the region of £81m each a season between 2016 and 2019.

This is likely to be spent on transfers and wages.

This money could come at a perfect time for Sunderland, as they look to survive relegation from the Premier League this season with an eye on looking to build a squad for next season's campaign.

After yesterday's figures were announced, a statement from Sunderland chairman and owner Ellis Short said: "Continued investment in the squad ensured the club retain Premier League status.

"Gross transfer fees of up to £43.2million have been committed, in the summer transfer window, excluding wages, and everyone at the club is focused on building on the club's Premier League status."