Sunderland have eight 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:
21. POTENTIAL SUB: Chris Rigg
Despite interest from Newcastle and Manchester United, Rigg, 16, signed a two-year scholarship contract at Sunderland last year. The teenager has been given first-team opportunities, making 13 Championship appearances. Photo: Frank Reid
22. POTENTIAL SUB: Leo Hjelde
Hjelde, 20, signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he joined Sunderland from Leeds United in January. He's started nine consecutive league games since the move. Photo: Frank Reid
23. POTENTIAL SUB: Adil Aouchiche
Attacking midfielder Aouchiche, 21, also signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light as he arrived from Ligue 1 side FC Lorient for an undisclosed fee last year. The Frenchman will hope for more first-team opportunities next season. Photo: Frank Reid
24. POTENTIAL SUB: 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