This is how many players Sunderland can still sign under the League One salary cap and squad limit rules

But every move will be dictated by the new League One salary and squad cap rules, which were introduced by EFL clubs earlier this summer.

And with the October 16 transfer deadline looming, we take a look at how the Black Cats stand under these new rules:

As it stands

It’s worth remembering at this point that players aged under 21 on January 1, 2020 will not count towards the squad or salary caps next season.

The Echo also understands that only players named in the club’s squad list – which is submitted to the EFL – will be factored into calculations. That means the likes of Aiden McGeady, who have fallen out of favour, can be left exempt from the cap.

So with that in mind, Sunderland’s first-team squad list currently stands as follows:

Goalkeepers: Lee Burge, Remi Matthews

Defenders: Luke O’Nien, Denver Hume, Conor McLaughlin, Jordan Willis, Arbenit Xhemajli, Tom Flanagan, Bailey Wright

Midfielders: Max Power, Josh Scowen, George Dobson, Grant Leadbitter

Forwards: Chris Maguire, Lynden Gooch, Aiden O’Brien, Charlie Wyke, Will Grigg, Danny Graham

Under-21 players (exempt from the caps): Anthony Patterson, Brandon Taylor, Morgan Feeney, Dan Neil, Elliot Embleton, Jack Diamond

The squad cap

As of the 2020/21 season, League One clubs will be limited to having 22 senior players on their books. That will reduce to 21 and then 20 over the course of the next three seasons.

Sunderland currently have 19 players as part of their squad for the current season, meaning they could – if desired – bring in three more players over the age of 21.

As it is, Phil Parkinson is focusing his efforts on attracting a new left-sided defender to challenge Denver Hume.

Over and above that, the Black Cats could yet bring in a further attacking option, with Argentine Mateo Bajamich one name under consideration.

The salary cap

Estimating how Sunderland stand under the £2.5million salary cap is harder work.

We know that any players who signed contracts before the salary cap was voted in during the early weeks of August – including summer signings Aiden O’Brien and Bailey Wright - will see their wages counted at the League One average of around £91,000 per year for the 2020/21 season.

If we apply that value to the 19 players currently in the Black Cats’ squad, then that would leave Parkinson with around £14,800 per week left to play with.

But in reality, that figure will be far lower.

The players who have arrived since the implementation of the salary cap – Remi Matthews, Danny Graham and Arbenit Xhemajli – will likely be commanding salaries in excess of that third tier average. Agent fees will also have chipped away at the money that is available to spend.

Sunderland’s pot, therefore, will be far lower than that five-figure sum.

With that in mind, it would be a major surprise if Parkinson was able to add three senior players to his ranks before the transfer window closes – despite having scope to do so under the squad cap.

But there is still some money left to spend, which is likely to be focused on attracting a left-sided defender.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear

Football Clubs Editor