Sunderland are vying to return to the Championship following last season's League One play-off heartache. 

The Black Cats started this season slowly under Jack Ross with their early-season form costing the 43-year-old his job despite Sunderland sitting sixth in the table.

It is fair to say that Ross' replacement Phil Parkinson didn't exactly get off to a lightning start at the Stadium of Light, but a great run of form over since Christmas has seen the Black Cats become one of the favourites for at least a play-off spot.

A busy summer will likely be on the cards regardless of how the current campaign concludes and it will be intriguing to see how the club deals with another season in League One or prepare for a crack at the Championship.

Here we take a look at two potential transfer scenarios we could see play out at Sunderland this summer...

Will Grigg heading for the exit

It's fair to say the 28-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations after arriving on Wearside just over a year ago.

Back in December The Sun on Sunday (15/12, p61), reported that Grigg could have been heading for the Stadium of Light exit, with the likes of Swindon Town, Salford City, and Blackpool all interested in his signature.

The Sunderland Echo reported that Grigg turned down a move to Salford on deadline day, and has now seen himself fall completely out of favour at the Stadium of Light.

Regardless of what division the Black Cats may be playing in next season, it wouldn't be a surprise if Grigg was to head for the Stadium of Light exit over the summer.

QUIZ: The left foot, right foot challenge - How well do you know the Sunderland squad? 

Possible moves for the current on-loan stars

Bristol City teammates Bailey Wright and Antoine Semenyo both joined the Black Cats on loan in the January window, and have already had some impact on Parkinson's side.

Their parent club are currently in the hunt for a Championship play-off spot and the duo's Sunderland future could depend on what City do at the business end of the season.

If Sunderland were to win promotion back to the Championship it could be likely that the Black Cats opt to extend the stays of Wright and Semenyo beyond the end of this season.