Several Sunderland stars attracting interest from other clubs - but who could leave, and which players won’t?
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman recently provided an update to Sunderland fans on transfers and contracts.
“Certainly, we want to make sure the pre-season is executed really well,” Speakman told the club’s social media channels ahead of Sunderland’s upcoming summer friendly fixtures.
“It's all about having really good planning. We want to be really, really good about the pre-season. My ultimate focus is the transfer window, making sure that the squad is in the right place moving forward.
“And obviously, we've already started that work with the goalkeeping changes we made. And then it's also about retaining talent and hopefully, we'll have some good news in the next couple of days on some of our exciting talent,” he concluded.
Here, we take a look at the players who could leave Sunderland this summer amid transfer interest from clubs in the Premier League and lower down the pyramid and those who won’t.
However, it should be noted that not all the players listed will leave at once and there are multiple caveats, which we have hopefully explained here:
5. Trai Hume - could leave
Several teams have bee linked with a move for Sunderland right-back Trai Hume, who has cemented himself as one of the club's most important players. Though it is possible the Northern Irishman could leave if a big-money bid comes in, it is by no means expected. | Getty Images
6. Daniel Ballard - could leave
West Ham were reportedly interested in the 24-year-old defender last summer yet Ballard signed a new deal at Sunderland in August last year. Ipswich Town and Everton have also been linked with a deal but the former Arsenal man's exit this summer is thought to be unlikely as things stand. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Pierre Ekwah - could leave
The former West Ham midfielder is highly-rated and he has been linked with a move to newly-promoted Ipswich Town this summer. His exit is not expected, however. | Getty Images
8. Anthony Patterson - could leave
Anthony Patterson has been linked with a move to Sheffield United during the summer window it is thought that the stopper would be unlikely to leave for another Championship club. Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked. | Getty Images