The burning on and off-field issues still to be resolved at Sunderland with one month to go before the new season

Both on and off the field, there remains a great deal of uncertainty over some key aspects which will need to be figured out in the coming days and weeks.

So what are the burning issues still on the agenda? We take a look:

RECRUITMENT

Sunderland’s recruitment thus far has been impressive, with Bailey Wright and Aiden O’Brien both secured despite significant interest from elsewhere.

Phil Parkinson is still keen to add five new players to his squad - and, as with any manager, he would ideally want those signings in place before the first game of the season.

That’s easier said than done, however, and nothing seems imminent on the transfer front for the Black Cats.

But there are some key areas which will need to be addressed before the season begins - with a glaring lack of depth in some key positions.

OUTGOINGS

On the other side of the coin, Parkinson may look to move some players on in order to free up some space in League One’s new squad cap - which limits clubs to 22 senior players.

Aiden McGeady will be a strong candidate to move on given his fall from favour, while speculation will no doubt circle around WIll Grigg’s future too.

THE OWNERSHIP

After Stewart Donald’s heated meeting with supporters last month, things have gone quiet on the takeover front.

BBC Newcastle have reported that Donald has entered a period of exclusivity with one interested party, with hopes a deal could be completed before the season began.

Things have gone quiet since then - other than the odd rumbling of an interested party - but this is not necessarily any reason to panic given the takeovers that tend to get done are the ones which are not played out in the media.

But whether a deal is struck or not, the club will need clarity on the ownership situation moving into the new campaign.

THE ACADEMY - AND UNDER-23 REBUILDING

After Paul Reid’s departure, Sunderland are still on the hunt for a new academy manager.

This is a process that needs to be done properly and cannot be rushed, but a new appointment will be needed fairly promptly in order to begin preparations for the 2020/21 season.

The new incumbent will likely take an active role in adding to a depleted under-23 squad, which is in need of some bolstering before their season begins - with a restart date for Premier League 2 yet to be confirmed.

A number of players are being eyed by the Black Cats for their second string, including goalkeeper Nathan Harker and striker WIll Harris.

And some movement will need to be made on this front before September 12 - even if the under-23 campaign begins slightly later.

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