Revealed: The key qualities Sunderland are searching for in the transfer market as Lee Johnson eyes first signing

Lee Johnson, Kristjaan Speakman and the club’s recruitment team are currently assessing a number of potential targets ahead of a first foray into the market.

Sunderland have already allowed seven players to leave the club following the expiration of their contracts, while talks remain ongoing with Charlie Wyke, Denver Hume, Aiden McGeady and Luke O’Nien on extending their stays.

But even if all of the quartet put pen to paper, it’s set to be a busy summer when it comes to incomings at the Stadium of Light.

And sporting director Speakman offered an update on the type of players that the club will be pursuing this summer during the latest structured dialogue meeting between club officials and fans.

The notes from the meeting state that Speakman said that Sunderland will be looking for ‘industrious players, who make bold decisions and have creativity.’

They also make reference to the fact that, following the impact of coronavirus, this summer could bring ‘unknown factors in the transfer market with agents, players and clubs’.

Part of Speakman’s remit, therefore, is to ‘look at the details and see if things are being delivered.’

A large number of transfers across the divisions this season are set to involve free agents, with a large pool of out-of-contract individuals once again available.

But Sunderland have also been linked with players under contract at other clubs – most notably Dion Sanderson and Jordan Jones.

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