In the meantime, record numbers of football fans have been taking to Football Manager to get their fix. For a bit of fun, we've fired up the popular management sim and sent the game into the future, to have a peek at who the Black Cats are predicted to sign over the next two transfer windows.
5. Conor Townsend - £250k - West Bromwich Albion
Another left-back...what are Sunderland up to? Anyway, he's a safe pair of hands, and is versatile enough to play higher up the pitch. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Jaroslaw Jach - £275k - Crystal Palace
Palace are raided again, this time for the towering Poland international defender. He's got all the attributes required to thrive in the second tier, and should be a rock at the back. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Broadway
7. Jake Eastwood - Free Transfer - Sheffield United
The Blades let Eastwood go, and he swiftly moved to the Stadium of Light. He's relatively young for a goalkeeper, and should be a decent understudy to Jon McLaughlin. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images) Photo: Ashley Allen
8. Harry Seaden - Southend - £130k
A week later, and another goalkeeper has joined the Black Cats' now swelling ranks of stoppers. He's just a teenager, and looks likely to be loaned out to gain more experience. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) Photo: Bryn Lennon