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..
21. DIVIN MUBAMA
West Ham United have confirmed that Mubama has left the club. The Hammers were very keen to keep him and offered him fresh terms, but the youngster is believed to want regular first-team football and believes that to be unlikely at West Ham. Sunderland are long-term admirers and though there's a push to recruit more Championship experience this summer, the club aren't moving away from their broader strategy and will clearly be in the market for the best young talent around. Mubama has interest not just from Sunderland but other Championship clubs and top-tier leagues in Europe. Is reported to be leaning towards the latter as his preferred option but no decision is yet made. Worth noting that were he to sign for Sunderland, West Ham would be due significant compensation, set by a tribunal if the two clubs can't agree in the first instance. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
22. IAN POVEDA
Made a real impression at Sheffield Wednesday before his season was impacted by injury. Available this summer but 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. A return to Wednesday looks very much the most likely result at this stage. | Getty Images Photo: David Rogers
23. KIEFFER MOORE
Not clear if Ipswich will bid to bring Moore back after his successful loan there ended in promotion to the Premier League. Sunderland were firmly in that race at the start of the winter window but eventually dropped out as the costs spiralled. Moore went on to be a very effective player at Portman Road and showed much of what Sunderland were missing in terms of both goals and a focal point. All those financial hurdles from January will likely still be in place, and so would have to start as an outside bet but Sunderland's need is as great now as it was then. Looks certain to leave Bournemouth, either way. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
24. DAJAUNE BROWN
Has interest from a number of clubs after a brilliant loan spell at Gateshead. Would be one for the future if Sunderland were to move, rather than an immediate first-team recruit. After a successful loan, would be a surprise if Derby did not to take a close look at him in pre-season before making a decision on his future. Sunderland likely to keep monitoring his progress. | Nigel French/PA Wire Photo: PA