Sunderland finished the season in 16th position meaning 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:
9. LW: Josh Murphy
Sunderland are one of several Championship clubs who have been credited with an interest in Oxford winger Josh Murphy. The 29-year-old, who is the twin brother of Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy, has scored six goals and provided four assists in League One for Oxford this season, helping the U’s climb to sixth in the table. Murphy will be out of contract at the Kassam Stadium this summer, after signing a two-year deal at the club following his release from Cardiff in 2022. The Bluebirds paid Norwich a reported £11million for Murphy in 2018 after he came through the ranks at Carrow Road. The winger also had a loan spell at Preston after moving to South Wales. Photo: Richard Heathcote
10. Ian Poveda
Sunderland are reportedly one of several clubs interested in Leeds forward Ian Poveda. The 24-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer, when his contract at Leeds expires, after making 10 Championship appearances on loan at Sheffield Wednesday during the second half of this season. Wednesday are keen to re-sign the Colombia international on a permanent deal, with other Championship clubs said to be interested. Photo: David Rogers
11. ST: Kieffer Moore
Sunderland were strongly linked with the Welsh international in January, before the striker joined Ipswich on loan from Bournemouth. Depending on which division Ipswich end up in next season, Moore may become available again, with a year left on his Bournemouth contract. Photo: Ryan Pierse
12. Potential squad player: Sam Tickle
Birmingham City are set to rival Sunderland over a deal for Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle. The England under-21 stopper has been dubbed as one of the best goalkeepers in the EFL by some publications and was heavily linked with a move to The Blues during last January's transfer window. Sunderland, though, are the latest club to be linked to Tickle as a potential replacement for Anthony Patterson should Mike Dodds' first choice leave the club this summer. Photo: Cameron Howard