When Cats can sign Bellingham and what to expect in summer window

Sunderland are making transfer preparations for next seasonafter losing in the play-offs against Luton Town.

After missing out on promotion through the playoffs Sunderland are already making plans for the 2023/24 Championship season.

The Black Cats are in advanced talks to sign Birmingham midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who was at the Stadium of Light to watch Sunderland’ s

play-off semi-final first leg against Luton Town. But when can EFL clubs sign players this summer, and what can fans expect? Here’s some key information ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

When does the transfer window open?: The transfer will officially open for English club son Saturday, June 10 and close on Friday, 1 September.

Can clubs sign players before that ?: Clubs can agree a transfer earlier than June 10, but the deal will not become official, and the player won’t be able to join their new club, until the window reopens.

Players who are not under contract at another club can be signed anytime. Clubs can also sign players who are free agents after the deadline.

What’s the latest with Jobe Bellingham?:

Sunderland in advanced talks with teenage midfielder Bellingham.

This season, 17-year-old Jobe has made 22 Championship appearances for Birmingham, where he has a year left on his contract.

It’ s been reported the teenagerwould cost Sunderland a fee of around £3million.

Where else are Sunderlandlooking to strengthen ?:

The club will be looking to bolster their striker options this summer to provide competition and support for Ross Stewart. While Sunderland will be looking to strengthen in all areas, Tony M ow bray has also said he wants more competition at centre-back.

What else has Mowbray said about the transfer window ?: Before the play-offs, Mowbray said the club, and Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman, would be prepared to move quickly in the transfer market this summer.

"Everything lands on my laptop for me to look at and check - snapshots of players from around the world that we have got on our radar ," said Mowbray.

"I always give them feedback, I tell them ‘he’s good, I like this one, I think this one is better than that one ’. I’m involved in recruitment, Kristjaan com ed into my office and we discuss some players.”