Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Ex-Sunderland stars Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson named in England squad

Bolton Wanderers captain Antoni Sarcevic has claimed that his side will not struggle to match the top clubs in Sky Bet League One next season. 

“A lot of us have said the league might suit us better. I honestly think this team can step up to the next level, and more.

“Going up the league with the way bigger teams want to play I think it will be a better game of football.

“We have a year of experience now playing the way the manager wants to, and the core of this squad is definitely capable of going and playing that way again against the Sunderlands, the Portsmouths and the Sheffield Wednesdays.”

Sunderland will hold crunch contract talks with a number of key players in the coming days – as an EFL deadline approaches.

The vast majority of League One clubs have already had to submit their released and retained lists – with the EFL deadline on Saturday, May 15 – but the Black Cats were afforded extra time owing to their play-off campaign.

But having seen their promotion hopes ended on Saturday afternoon, Sunderland will now have to make some key contract decisions over a number of first-team players.

Clubs taking part in the play-offs have to submit their released and retained lists to the EFL four days following their final fixture. This means that the Wearsiders have until Wednesday, May 26 to let the league know who will be released and who the club plan to retain.

Discussions will be taking place this week between head coach Lee Johnson and the club’s backroom team before decisions are communicated to players.

It’s important to note a couple of things on this front, however.

Firstly, contracts do not have to be signed and sealed by this date. Sunderland simply need to indicate which players they will be offering new terms to, and then negotiations over the contract can continue for as long as is required.

And secondly, the club themselves can publicly release their retained and released lists whenever they choose. This deadline is simply for when the lists have to be submitted to the EFL. Indeed, a number of other clubs, who were subject to the May 15 deadline are yet to publicly announce their plans.

Johnson and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman are going to have some big decisions to make on the contractual front this summer, with a host of players; contracts set to expire.

The following players all see their current deals expire in the summer, although a number of the individuals are reported to have options in their current deals which could see their terms extended: Lee Burge, Remi Matthews, Anthony Patterson, Luke O’Nien, Conor McLaughlin, Brandon Taylor, Denver Hume, Callum McFadzean, Max Power, Josh Scowen, Grant Leadbitter, Chris Maguire, Aiden McGeady, Charlie Wyke, Benji Kimpioka.

Sunderland goalkeeper Oliver Basey is on trial at Championship club Birmingham City.

The 18-year-old, who is a second year scholar at the Academy of Light, started and kept a clean sheet for The Blues’ under-23s side in a 2-0 Professional Development League Final victory against Sheffield United under-23s on Monday.

Sunderland Under-23s missed out on promotion from Premier League 2, Division 2, last night after they were beaten 5-3 on penalties at Crystal Palace.

After the match at Selhurst Park ended goalless in 90 minutes, extra-time and penalties were required.

The Sunderland team was as follows: Patterson, B Taylor, K Richardson, Younger, Almond, Wilding, Hackett, Hawkes, Neil, Dunne, Harris

Subs: A Richardson, E Taylor, Trialist, Wombwell, Trialist

Our reporter Mark Donnelly was at Selhurst Park last night and spoke to under-23s coach Michael Proctor after the match.

While Sunderland will be looking to strengthen in the transfer market, they may also have to fend off interest in some of their players.

Midfielder Josh Hawkes is yet to make a senior appearance for the Black Cats but has impressed for the under-23 team this campaign.

The 21-year-old moved to Wearside after leaving Hartlepool last summer and has scored 14 goals in Premier League 2, Division 2.

And according to TeamTalk, West Ham and Crystal Palace are leading the chase to sign the midfielder, while Leeds and Newcastle are also interested.

Read more analysis from our reporter Mark Donnelly who was at Selhurst Park last night as Sunderland Under-23s missed out on promotion against Crystal Palace.