Given the coronavirus pandemic football is currently at a standstill and suspended until April 3 though that is widely expected to be extended into the summer.
Further complicating the picture is of course the uncertainty over who will own the football club beyond this season.
Here, we run through where they players in question stand….
1. JON McLAUGHLIN
The biggest concern for Sunderland supporters is the future of the goalkeeper who aside from one tricky spell this season, has been consistently excellent since his arrival. Stewart Donald had moved to secure his future last summer, but then implied that McLaughlin’s agent had made ‘unrealistic’ demands. It had been a coup for the club to land McLaughlin after a successful season at Hearts, but he was outstanding last season and an absolutely central figure in the squad. Donald vowed to return to the issue in the autumn, but at the turn of the year McLaughlin said there had been no resumption to talks. Having recaptured his best form, clubs will be watching his situation develop with interest. McLaughlin has used the free agent market well in the past, but has said that he now wants stability and the chance to put down roots on Wearside. Photo: Frank Reid
2. LUKE O’NIEN
O’Nien has been a major success and after adjusting to life in the North East, he quickly became one of Jack Ross’ go-to players. Championship clubs wanted to sign him as a full-back last summer and under Parkinson he has continued that rise, an energetic presence often drawing praise from opposition managers. Fresh terms may be advisable in the future to secure his long-term future, but for now, the club are protected by an automatic, year-long extension that is believed to have already been activated. O’Nien himself could not have been clearer that he has no intention of going anywhere else. Photo: Frank Reid
3. ALIM OZTURK
Ozturk looked out of the picture when Parkinson arrived, but quickly impressed with his attitude and consistency in training. A key moment came when he battled through the pain barrier to help his manager out in the FA Cup, and his return to the side in League One brought some typically steady defensive displays. It was, in the manager’s own words, a ‘very, very tough’ call to drop him in favour of Bailey Wright. Photo: Frank Reid
4. TOM FLANAGAN
It took Flanagan some time to establish himself under Parkinson but for the most part, he has been one of the most improved players since the manager’s arrival. Particularly in games at the Stadium of Light, the manager has spoken glowingly about the way he has brought the ball out from the back and the tempo with which he has brought Denver Hume and Lynden Gooch into the game. The defender has put himself in a good position ahead of the run-in. Photo: Frank Reid