Sunderland and League One rivals could finally hear 2020-21 news they've been waiting for next week

The EFL is due to meet on Monday with a couple of options being considered ahead of next season in terms of when the campaign starts and ends.

They are August 29 to May 8 or September 12 to May 22. It is expected the majority of clubs favour the later date.

Clubs have been asked for their views and a vote is expected to take place with a final decision due next week.

Phil Parkinson has long called for much-needed clarity over the start of next season. The first team squad is currently on furlough leave but can be recalled at short notice.

There has been no football since March for the Black Cats.

Meanwhile, former Sunderland midfielder and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will miss the end of the season with a knee injury but manager Jurgen Klopp insists it will not stop him lifting the Premier League trophy.

The England international was forced off 10 minutes from the end of Wednesday's win at Brighton after a collision with Yves Bissouma and a scan has revealed a knee problem which will keep him out of the club's remaining four matches.

But Klopp is confident it will not impact on next season - and will definitely not stop him standing on the podium at the club's final home match against Chelsea later this month to celebrate ending 30 years without a title.

"We were all concerned when we saw him going down and he left the pitch and when we got the news it was a big relief for all of us.

"It is not cool but it is the best we could get, Hendo is a quick healer and he will be back soon.

"But he deserves to lift the trophy and he will lift the trophy."

Henderson is determined to come back stronger, writing on Instagram: "Of course it's not the way I'd have preferred to have finished the season on a personal level.

"I'm sure the lads will ensure we finish the season off on a high."