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..
13. PAIK SEUNG-HO
Sunderland have been to reported to be considering reviving their January interest in the midfielder. It’s absolutely the case that they considered a move in the winter window and at one stage the deal was relatively advanced, but in the end the hierarchy decided not to push it through and were willing to let Birmingham City step in. Birmingham’s relegation to League One may well mean player departures but it would be surprising to see Sunderland change their view in just a matter of months- even if that previous interest means it can’t be discounted entirely. New Birmingham boss Chris Davies has hinted that he wants to talk the midfielder into staying and the club's new ownership means there is no great financial pressure. | Getty Images Photo: Getty
14. JOBE BELLINGHAM
There's a long queue of interest clubs from top tiers across Europe, with Crystal Palace currently pushing the hardest. Sunderland are understood to have rejected a number of bids already. With three years left on his deal they're under no pressure to sell and feel his value could rocket with another season of regular football under his belt. As such, it's thought of at least £20 million will be required and that could put off clubs in this window. Much will depend on Bellingham himself - top-tier football has an obvious pull but he loves life at Sunderland and recognises the importance of playing regularly. One that's very much ongoing - Kristjaan Speakman said last week that Sunderland wanted to retain their top talent this summer but couldn't rule out any significant sale. One to watch. | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
15. CADEN KELLY
Linked with a loan move to Halifax, though their manager has since ruled that out. Had a superb campaign for the U21s last time out so while Halifax looks to be a non-starter, a National League or League Two loan does look a fairly solid bet at this stage. One of a number of youngsters that Sunderland will assess over pre-season before making a decision. Kelly has been one of a few youngsters training with the senior group since pre-season began last Monday, and so seems certain to get a chance in the early pre-season friendlies. Sunderland are believed to be considering handing Kelly a new deal after triggering a year-long extension to his current contract at the end of last season. One to watch closely in the weeks ahead. | Photo: Chris Fryatt Photo: Chris Fryatt
16. Dan Neil
Has rejected the first offer of a contract extension, with the uncertainty over the head coach search at the time understandably one of the factors after such a poor end to the season. Is keen to lead Sunderland back to the Premier League and so the club hope that they can convince him to stay now that pre-season is under way and thoughts turn to the new season. Has two years left on his deal and so no panic yet, but like Jack Clarke the situation is far from ideal and could leave the club vulnerable if a big bid arrives. Speakman confirmed last week that contract talks are ongoing both with Neil and a number of other players in the squad. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images