The 11 Cats transfer deals that could happen in summer
The 2020/21 season is not yet at its end – but the transfer rumours have already begun.
While Sunderland remain unsure as to which division they will be playing in next season, with the League One play-offs looking likely for Lee Johnson’s side, they have already been linked with a host of summer moves.
There have been several players touted as potential signings for the Cats, while some players could well head for the exit door as they gain some admiring glances from elsewhere. And then there aretheloanplayers,whosefuturesremainuncertainwitha numberofclubsthoughttobe eyeing summer moves.
So what deals could get done at the Stadium of Light this summer, in terms of both incomings and outgoings?
We take a look at all the potential signings and departures that have been rumoured so far – and the competition that Sunderland could face.
Jordan Jones: The Rangers winger has long been linkedwithanexitfromIbrox, andSunderlandarereportedly one of a number of interestedclubsaheadofthesummer. Stoke, Middlesbrough and Barnsley are also reportedly keen - with a fee of around £600,000 mooted.
DionSanderson:Sunderland would undoubtedly love to bring the central defender
back to Wearside - whether on a loan or permanent basis next season. But they will face competition from Newcastle, SheffieldUnitedandBrighton, while parent club Wolves may also see a bright future for the youngster.
Guy Melamed: The Israeli strikerhasenjoyedafinecampaign at St Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League and isoutofcontractthissummer. Sunderland have been linked with a move for Melamed.
Carlos MendesGomes: Currently of Morecambe, the pacy striker has
caught the eye in League Two thistermandhas15goalstohis name. A host of sides - including Sunderland - have been rumoured to be weighing-up a summer move.
Charlie Wyke: With 30 goals to his name already this season,it'snosurprisethatthe Sunderland striker is attracting interest. Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Millwall, CardiffandCeltichaveallbeen linkedwithWyke-whosecontract expires in the summer.
Tom Scott: Scott has starred for Sunderland's Under-23sideduringatrialspell, andreportssuggesttheNorthampton Town youngster will now make his switch to Wearside a permanent one.
Gwion Edwards: The Welsh international has been linked with both Sunderland and Preston North End, with his contract at Ipswich Town set to expire at the end of the season.
Will Grigg: Grigg has impressed during his loan spell with MK Dons, and Russell Martin has made no secret of his desire to sign the Sunderland striker permanently.
MarcLeonard:A Scotland
Under-19international,Leonard looks set to depart Brighton this summer. A number of clubs are thought to be monitoring his situation, including Sunderland.
Otis Khan: Another link involving both Sunderland. Khan, who plays as a winger or full-back, has been touted as a potential signing after impressing for League Two side Tranmere Rovers.
ScottTanser:TheStJohnstone full-back is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to Sunderland.