Sunderland have just two league games remaining this season – while the club’s recruitment team will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
The Black Cats were tracking several players during the January transfer window and are bound to be linked with more names in the coming months. For fun, following recent speculation, we’ve put together a possible Sunderland starting XI and bench if the rumours turn out to be true:
29. Potential squad player: Callum Styles
Sunderland signed Styles, 23, on an initial loan deal in January, meaning he's set to leave at the end of the season as things stand. There is an option for Sunderland to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, while they had been tracking the player for since last summer Photo: Frank Reid
30. Potential squad player: Nectar Triantis
Triantis joined Sunderland from Australian side Central Coast Mariners in June, signing a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light. The 20-year-old has impressed since joining SPL side Hibernian in January and will be hoping for more opportunities on Wearside. Photo: Frank Reid
31. Potential squad player: Timothee Pembeble
While Pembele has only made five Championship appearances for Sunderland this season, the 21-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Black Cats when he arrived from PSG last summer. Photo: Frank Reid
32. Potential squad player: Luis Hemir Semedo
The Portuguese striker signed a five-year contract on Wearside as he arrived from Portuguese club Benfica last year. While Hemir hasn't looked ready for the Championship this season, Sunderland will hope the 20-year-old can become a long-term asset. Photo: Jess Hornby