The Sunderland youngsters who could play a key role when the season resumes - as contract uncertainty continues

Planning ahead is proving difficult for a number of clubs, with uncertainty over those whose contracts expire in the summer leaving managers unsure as to who will be at their disposal when football eventually resumes.

For while FIFA have laid out plans to see all contracts set to expire on June 30 automatically extended, leading lawyers have warned that this will not be possible in English leagues.

That could leave Sunderland - and other clubs - without some key players, and may force them to turn to youth.

So who, then, could be in line for a senior call-up at the Stadium of Light? We take a look:

BRANDON TAYLOR

The young centre back has already stepped in to the first-team this season, deputising in the FA Cup replay at Gillingham as injury wreaked havoc with Phil Parkinson’s squad.

And with a number of defenders potentially set to see their contracts expire on June 30, Taylor could yet be thrust into the spotlight once more.

Tom Flanagan, Alim Ozturk, Tommy Smith and Joel Lynch all see their deals expire in the summer and could leave the Black Cats short on numbers at the back.

Taylor, therefore, could be in-line for a call-up.

He impressed in that tie at Gillingham, and was arguably unlucky to drop out the squad for the following league fixtures as more experienced options returned - Parkinson opting to go safe as he sought points.

But don’t rule out a League One call-up in the coming weeks, with Taylor already having proven himself as a reliable young option.

RUBEN SAMMUT

Another who has caught the eye of Parkinson, Sammut regularly trained with the Black Cats’ first-team squad prior to the closure of the Academy of Light.

And while competition for places in the centre of the park is rife - Josh Scowen and Ethan Robson could walk free on June 30.

Sammut, therefore, may be ready for a call-up.

There would be question marks over his lack of first-team experience, with his only senior appearances coming via a loan spell at Falkirk prior to his move to Wearside.

ANTHONY PATTERSON

Highly-regarded by staff at the Academy of Light, Patterson has excelled for the under-23 side this term and is firmly on Parkinson’s radar.

With Jon McLaughlin a potential summer departure, Patterson could prove a solution - although would likely still find himself behind Lee Burge in the pecking order.

In the long-term, should McLaughlin depart, Sunderland would likely seek a more experienced option to challenge Burge - but Patterson could provide some short-term cover.

BALI MUMBA & JORDAN HUNTER

The duo impressed during their loan spells at South Shields and, with the Mariners’ season having prematurely ended, they look set to return to Sunderland when the season resumes.

With some additional first-team experience under their belts, they could prove an option for Parkinson - with their versatility proving useful.