Some transfer sagas also dragged on and on over large portions of time whilst some links just wouldn't go away despite little interest from either side.
From Gazza and David Beckham to Jan Koller and Nathan Broadhead, we take a look at the Sunderland rumours, transfer sagas, near misses and forgotten targets that didn't end up happening for whatever reason.
9. Fernando Llorente
Sunderland were interested in the Spain striker before his eventual move to Juventus. Photo: Alessandro Sabattini
10. Jon Dahl Thomasson
Jon Dahl Thomasson was pictured visiting Sunderland's old training ground under Peter Reid before making the decision to join Newcastle United. Photo: Stu Forster
11. Edinson Cavani
Believe it or not, Sunderland are said to have attempted to sign Edinson Cavani under former director of football Roberto De Fanti. Photo: Angel Martinez
12. Ruud van Nistelrooy
Peter Reid is rumoured to have taken a look at a teenage Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sunderland were linked with the Dutchman when he was a free agent in 2011. Photo: Alex Livesey