This is where Sunderland's academy graduates stand ahead of the new season and how their first-team prospects look

Sunderland's squad is still in need of significant strengthening ahead of the new campaign, with Phil Parkinson looking to make five more additions.
Sunderland youngster Denver Hume enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last time outSunderland youngster Denver Hume enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last time out
Sunderland youngster Denver Hume enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last time out

The new salary cap rules have complicated that search and in the 'new normal' clubs are facing, academy graduates are going to be more important to third-tier clubs than ever.

So who are the next generation of Sunderland products looking to push through, and what can we expect from them ahead of the new campaign?

We take a closer look.…

BRANDON TAYLOR

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Taylor has been one of the more consistent players in the club's struggling U23 team and made a big impression on Parkinson during the FA Cup defeat to Gillingham last year.

After that game, Parkinson said: "I thought he was probably our best player on the night, he loved every minute of it, but it was a tough game to play in because Gillingham play a certain way where they get the ball forward very early, long throws coming into the box, a lot of set-plays, and that's a totally different type of game to the ones he has experienced at U23 level.

"But I don't think he could do a lot more to show that he can play."

Parkinson's first choice back three is in situ and well established, but Taylor has a big opportunity to impress in these opening weeks of the pre-season programme.

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Parkinson is believed to be keen to add a left-sided defender to ensure he has adequate cover for the campaign, but the hectic schedule created by the cups in the opening weeks of the season mean that Taylor will surely add to his tally of senior appearances.

DENVER HUME

It will be fascinating to see how the next few weeks play out and what it means for Hume moving into the new campaign.

Parkinson is known to be actively seeking another option at left wing-back and of course, that is the sensible option in a long season when one injury would leave the team light.

Getting the balance right between securing competition and cover for Hume, will not damaging his development as an attacking outlet, is both tricky and crucial.

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The youngster still has to much to work on defensively but particularly at Stadium of Light, his direct style and ability to carry the ball long distances and deep into the opposition half is absolutely invaluable to a team that needs to avoid becoming predictable and easy to defend against.

Sunderland had a strong interest in Luke Garbutt, but the new salary cap rules have put that deal in doubt for now.

On trial at the Academy of Light is former Manchester United youngster Demetri Mitchell.

Garbutt has the pedigree and consistency at this level (as well as a wicked set piece), but would also pose a major threat to Hume's gametime.

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It's an interesting debate and one which goes to the heart of questions over pathway and results.

It's worth remembering in all of this, as well, that Hume is now entering the final year of his contract.

Even if he has far from the finished article, a player of his attributes will be well known to other clubs.

Read our in-depth series on the state of play at Sunderland’s Academy:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

JACK DIAMOND

Diamond has returned to Wearside full of confidence after an outstanding loan at Harrogate Town and Parkinson made a point of praising him earlier this week, saying he had looked 'really good' in training and that he had the potential to be a 'bonus player' this season.

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Diamond has always had real technical quality and has long been one of the brightest academy prospects, but his time in the National League looks to helped him make the all-important inroads when it comes to the physical demands of senior football.

Whether he can break through this season is a key question.

There will be plenty of fixtures in the congested schedule, but Aiden O'Brien's arrival also means competition for places in the number ten spots will be fierce.

Though he'd be more likely to play in a more orthodox central midfield position, Sunderland's interest in Scott Fraser (another one in some doubt due to the salary cap) suggests that competition for creative places could yet grow.

Harrogate Town want Diamond back and there will be many other League Two clubs in the same boat.

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Another loan cannot be ruled out and would the best option if regular football is not guaranteed on Wearside.

For now, though, Diamond has every chance of fighting for exactly that.

ELLIOT EMBLETON

The curtailment of the League One campaign prevented Embleton the opportunity to push for a regular spot under Parkinson.

The Black Cats boss had assured the youngster he would have a chance under him, having been impressed with his composure after extensive analysis of his loan spell at Grimsby Town.

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There is understandable caution given the length of time that has passed since Embleton last played a senior game (September 2019), but it is also encouraging that he has thus far played a full part in pre-season.

The 3-4-3 shape looks perfectly desgined for his skills, and it was in this shape that he emerged as arguably the team's best player during the last pre-season.

Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire will start the first-choice options on the back of their strong output last season, and it certainly feels like a make or break campaign for Embleton on Wearside.

He has one year left on his deal, needs regular senior football, and has a strong reputation in the football league that will mean much interest if things don't work out.

BENJI KIMPIOKA

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His contractual status still not resolved, Kimpioka looks highly unlikely to be involved next season as it stands.

For their part, Sunderland have been left frustrated over a long period of time with the slow progress over a potential new deal.

For their part, Kimpioka's camp have been clear that he would not sign unless he is considered part of the first-team group on a permanent basis.

That is his right, but finding a place in that squad is the issue.

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Kimpioka made little impression when played in a wide position during the EFL Trophy shortly after Parkinson took charge, and in the number ten positions, both Embleton and DIamond have leapt ahead of him in the pecking order after a result of two successful loans in senior football.

The arrival of Aiden O'Brien means competition for striking places is severe and furthermore, the impasse means that the youngster is now missing out valuable time on the training pitch to try and get up to match fitness and make an impression.

Nothing is settled yet, but it's hard to see this ending in anything other than an exit.