Revealed: EVERY deal Sunderland have been linked with completing this summer - including Chelsea and Middlesbrough interest
Alongside sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey, Johnson must rebuild the Black Cats’ squad for another assault in League One next season.
The club’s third-tier status coupled with a new billionaire majority owner in Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has prompted plenty of transfer links to circulate.
Here, we take a look at all of the incomings and outgoings that Sunderland have been linked with so far this summer.
1. Nathan Baxter
Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter could join former Ross County teammate Ross Stewart at Sunderland as the League One side ponder a move for the goalkeeper. The stopper spent last season on loan at Accrington Stanley. Photo: Pete Norton
2. Guy Melamed
Sunderland have been linked with a move for former St Johnstone striker Guy Melamed over the past couple of months. The attacker - who has been likened to Dennis Bergkamp - has just left the Scottish club and is said to be 'flattered' by the interest being shown in him. Sunderland could face competition, however, with League One rivals Portsmouth and Ipswich Town also reportedly interested. Photo: Ian MacNicol
3. Owen Dale
Sunderland are reportedly interested Crewe Alexandra attacker Owen Dale. However, it has been claimed that the the Black Cats won’t pay the necessary fee to capture his signature. Photo: Nathan Stirk
4. Charlie Wyke
Charlie Wyke has been offered a new deal at the Stadium of Light following his 31 goal haul last season. However, the striker is attracting interest from Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town, Celtic and CSKA Moscow. Photo: Stu Forster