Kyril Louis-Dreyfus set to hand Sunderland bumper transfer budget if they achieve promotion - reports

The Black Cats remain favourites with many to seal a spot in the top two after a superb run of form which has seen them close the gap on Hull City and Peterborough United in the automatic promotion places.

Sunderland still have to play both teams before the season is out and have two games in hand on the Tigers and one on Posh, meaning their fate is very much in their own hands.

And according to weekend reports, majority shareholder Louis-Dreyfus is already making preparations for if the side are promoted this term.

The Sun on Sunday claim that the chairman has set aside £60million to spend on new faces in the Championship – with the report stating he is ‘itching’ to get started in the transfer market.

It is reported that the mooted budget is unlikely to be just for the summer window, and would also be expected to seal any reinforcements that were required in January.

But nonetheless, it would remain a considerable sum for head coach Johnson to spend – which may prove necessary given the overhaul that could be required given the dozen Sunderland players out of contract this summer.

The Black Cats are expected to focus on a more data-led recruitment style moving forward, with new head of recruitment Stuart Harvey set to begin his role later this month after leaving Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

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