Aiden McGeady and Luke O’Nien have signed new deals whilst Alex Pritchard has arrived on a free but remains the club’s only first-team signing so far this summer.
And the Black Cats suffered a blow after 31 goal striker Charlie Wyke rejected fresh terms on Wearside to join League One promotion rivals Wigan Athletic.
Indded, Peterborough United’s Barry Fry has said that he cannot understand Sunderland’s decision to Wyke’s contract expire.
Speaking to Football League World, Fry said: “Well the only thing that I can think of on that one is that they perhaps thought that if they got into the Championship, they would be able to attract a better striker.
“But, you’ve got to cover your back. Even if they had gone up and felt that he wasn’t good enough for the Championship, they could have sold him and got money for him, you know anyone that scores over 20 goals in any league is worth money.
“So I cannot understand why they didn’t secure his future and make him sign a new contract.”
And ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Hearts at Tynecastle Park, Lee Johnson today took his squad north of the border to continue their preparations.
New signing Pritchard is part of the travelling squad, Sunderland have only made one senior signing so far this summer with fans eager for another breakthrough.
Here, though, we take you through the latest stories from around the web:
1. Downes linked with Stoke City
£8millon-rated Ipswich Town midfielder Flynn Downes has now been linked with Stoke City as Michael O'Neill continues his squad building. The player is currently playing with the Tractor Boys’ under-23s. (Various) Photo: Pete Norton
2. Sunderland eye starlet
Sunderland are ‘in talks’ to sign Manchester City’s 17-year-old youth team defender Callum Doyle on a two-year loan. The youngster has been likened to Ruben Dias by the local media in Manchester. (Roker Report) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
3. DONE DEAL
Former Sunderland loanee Jimmy Dunne has joined Championship club Queens Park Rangers after leaving Premier League outfit Burnley. The central defender played half a season under Jack Ross, signing for the club in the January of the 2018-19 season. (Various) Photo: Pool
4. MK Dons reject bid
MK Dons have rejected a bid for Scott Fraser, but remain in talks about a potential deal for the midfielder. The Scot had been heavily linked with a move to Hull City in the summer, and was not involved in the 3-1 win over King's Lynn Town on Tuesday night - Dons' first pre-season game of the campaign. (MK Citizen) Photo: David Rogers