Régis Le Bris recently confirmed that a group of Sunderland players not involved in Saturday's friendly against Blackpool are unlikely to be in his plans for the upcoming campaign.
Le Bris named a much smaller squad for the 1-0 friendly win at Bloomfield Road, with Luis Hemir, Jewison Bennette and Jay Matete all instead named in the starting XI for the U21 side as they took on Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.
The Sunderland head coach says he now wants to work with a smaller group as the opening day of the season nears and confirmed that the trio were free to look for a loan move. "Yeah, for sure [time to reduce the group]," he said. "It is now two weeks until we play against Cardiff City.
“It is now time to reduce the group and work on the starting XI and the substitutes who will be involved at the start of the season. So that's our goal at the moment and for the other players who can't be involved for the season, it will be interesting for them to find a loan for sure."
Here, we take a look at how Le Bris’ squad could look if the transfer rumours turn out to be true incomings and outgoings:
5. CB: Daniel Ballard
The 24-year-old has just signed a new deal at Sunderland until 2028. The defender picked up an injury earlier this summer and is yet to feature this season but is a crucial player when not injured. Photo: Frank Reid
6. CM: Dan Neil
While Neil's impressive performances will have attracted interest, the Sunderland academy graduate agreed a new deal on Wearside last year, which will run until the summer of 2026. The 22-year-old has talked about his desire to reach the Premier League with his boyhood club. Neil has also been made Sunderland's team captain. | Chris Fryatt Photo: Chris Fryatt
7. CM: Jobe Bellingham
Still only 18, Bellingham signed a new contract with the club this summer. While there has been reported interest from Premier League clubs, Jobe is set to remain on Wearside this season. Photo: Frank Reid
8. RW: Patrick Roberts
Sunderland turned down a late bid from Southampton for the winger during last summer’s transfer window. The 27-year-old then signed a new deal with the Black Cats in November, which will run until the summer of 2026, with a club option of an extra year Photo: Ed Sykes