Sunderland’s search for a new head coach continues, with supporters facing an increasingly long wait to discover who’ll be tasked with bringing the team back into the top half of the table and beyond next season.
But planning for that campaign is already well under way, with the club’s way of operating meaning that the recruitment wheels are already starting to turn. Already, they’ve been linked with a significant number of big deals, both incomings and outgoings. So what’s the latest and how likely is it that any of them will actually happen? Here, we take you through..
9. CALLUM STYLES
Sunderland opted against making his loan move permanent. They had given themselves plenty of time to make a final call, doing so following Hungary's exit from the Euros and the arrival of Le Bris. Styles struggled to make as big an impact as he would have liked at the club but was unfortunate to have to play out of position so often. He is almost certain to leave Barnsley this summer and has interest from other Championship clubs, so could well end up lining up against the Black Cats next season. Birmingham City have also been linked with a swoop. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
10. CHRIS RIGG
Rigg signed his first professional deal at the club ealier this summer, emphatically drawing a line under any speculation of a summer transfer exit. Rigg is now contracted to the club for three years and will focus on forcing his way into Le Bris' starting XI for the coming season. A big decision for Le Bris in the weeks ahead is whether he thinks it best to keep Rigg in his right wing role from last season, or whether he is ready to move him into the more central position he will clearly end up in somewhere down the line. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
11. PIERRE EKWAH
Loosely linked with Ipswich Town. Sunderland turned down significant bids from European clubs towards the end of the summer window but after a significant leg injury the midfielder struggled to maintain his impressive form. A Premier League move just now doesn’t feel like the right option when he needs to be playing week in, week out - finding a settled role and some consistency. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
12. OLIVER NORWOOD
Sheffield United have confirmed that Norwood will be released this summer and Sunderland are one of a number of Championship clubs credited with an interest. They need experience with Evans and Dack departing, and Norwood has almost 500 career appearances and FOUR promotions from the second tier. While also not a direct replacement for Evans, he would add some much needed variety and depth to central midfield, which was lacking too often last season. Though Sunderland aren’t deviating from their general transfer strategy, they are expected to add some players with significant Championship experience to the group. Le Bris confirmed this last week, saying that he felt the squad needed some additions who could help 'pilot' a young group. Norwood looks like one of the best available and they are interested in a deal, but there is known to be significant competition. The Black Cats do have other options in this position and it looks increasingly clear that they will strengthen at some stage. | Getty Photo: Michael Regan