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..
![Had a really strong season on loan at Preston on the left flank, and so little surprise he was linked with Sunderland as they prepare for a future potentially without Clarke. Basel are likely to be open to cashing in this summer while his stock is high as a result of his Preston success.
How likely? Could become a strong option if Clarke does depart.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmU3Y2EyY2RkLTJlOTAtNGNhMi05Nzc3LTgwMzk1MGI1MTczNjo1ZjQ1ODBiZC1lZGNmLTRiNTItODE0YS01Zjc5OTIyZjEzNzg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
17. LIAM MILLAR - IN (FC BASEL)
Had a really strong season on loan at Preston on the left flank, and so little surprise he was linked with Sunderland as they prepare for a future potentially without Clarke. Basel are likely to be open to cashing in this summer while his stock is high as a result of his Preston success. How likely? Could become a strong option if Clarke does depart. Photo: George Wood
![Rusyn was linked with a potential return to Ukraine after a difficult first season on Wearside but these reports were quickly rebuffed by other outlets, who stated that the forward was ready to fight for his place in pre-season. That backed up earlier comments from Mike Dodds, who said that the club were expecting more from Rusyn next season now that his language skills are improving and he has managed to settle in the region with his family.
How likely? Appears to be a non-starter at this early stage of the window.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQzM2RkM2ExLWQxOGUtNGI2NS04NjJlLTU3MjBjMDZhMWI1YTo2NjdlMmQ1Zi1hMjY0LTQwZjktOTA0ZC04NmQ1NWVhMGY5ZTU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
18. NAZARIY RUSYN - LOAN (KARPATY FC)
Rusyn was linked with a potential return to Ukraine after a difficult first season on Wearside but these reports were quickly rebuffed by other outlets, who stated that the forward was ready to fight for his place in pre-season. That backed up earlier comments from Mike Dodds, who said that the club were expecting more from Rusyn next season now that his language skills are improving and he has managed to settle in the region with his family. How likely? Appears to be a non-starter at this early stage of the window. Photo: Frank Reid
![The 18-year-old striker has rejected contract offers and appears to be keen to head out and start playing regular senior football somewhere. Sunderland have been heavily linked for a prolonged period and it’s exactly the kind of deal that they have gained a lot of success from in previous transfer windows. There may be some understandable concern from fans if a more experienced striker was not also on the agenda but Sunderland’s model means they will always move for these kinds of deals if they are on the table.
How likely? If Mubama does ultimately depart then you’d expect Sunderland to be in the race.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/10/22/17/GettyImages-1862207984.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
19. DIVIN MUBAMA - IN (WEST HAM UNITED)
The 18-year-old striker has rejected contract offers and appears to be keen to head out and start playing regular senior football somewhere. Sunderland have been heavily linked for a prolonged period and it’s exactly the kind of deal that they have gained a lot of success from in previous transfer windows. There may be some understandable concern from fans if a more experienced striker was not also on the agenda but Sunderland’s model means they will always move for these kinds of deals if they are on the table. How likely? If Mubama does ultimately depart then you’d expect Sunderland to be in the race. Photo: Getty Images
![Made a real impression at Sheffield Wednesday before his season was impacted by injury. Likely to be available this summer with little prospect of breaking through at Leeds United.
How likely? Right wing doesn’t seem like a real area of need for Sunderland given that they have Patrick Roberts, Abdoullah Ba and then potentially Romaine Mundle and Chris Rigg.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmY2ZjdiOTM3LTQ4YmYtNDlmMS1iNTY2LTE2MTBjMDM3OTRhZTplN2Y3N2IzNy1jOGUyLTRjYmUtOTZhYy0xOGZiNzliMmQ4MGM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
20. IAN POVEDA - IN (FREE AGENT)
Made a real impression at Sheffield Wednesday before his season was impacted by injury. Likely to be available this summer with little prospect of breaking through at Leeds United. How likely? Right wing doesn’t seem like a real area of need for Sunderland given that they have Patrick Roberts, Abdoullah Ba and then potentially Romaine Mundle and Chris Rigg. Photo: David Rogers