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:
33. 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
34. 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
35. Potential squad player: Elliot Embleton
The midfielder's loan spell at Derby was cut short after the midfielder sustained a thigh injury last year. Embleton then injured his ankle after returning to Sunderland and isn't expected to return until the final few weeks of the season. The 24-year-old may be looking at pre-season as a realistic target to make his comeback. Photo: Lewis Storey
36. Potential squad player: Eliezer Mayenda
The 18-year-old striker joined Sunderland from French side Sochaux on a five-year deal last year. Mayenda then signed for SPL side Hibernian in January and is set to return to Wearside this summer. Photo: Frank Reid