Having narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last month, Sunderland will be aiming to go one step better next season under the guidance of Jack Ross.
Yet in order to achieve this goal, it is paramount that the Black Cats get their recruitment spot on this summer as a failure to do so could result in an extension to their stay in the League One abyss.
Whereas Ross does have a solid squad of players at his disposal at the Stadium of Light, the 43-year-old definitely needs to strengthen in the goalkeeping position with Robbin Ruiter and Max Stryjek scheduled to leave when their contracts expire later this month.
Therefore, it comes as no shock that Sunderland have been linked with a move for Greek shot-stopper Dimi Konstantopoulos.
According to the Northern Echo, the Wearside-based outfit are reportedly interested in signing the 40-year-old keeper who is available on a free transfer having been released by Middlesbrough in May.
Although Konstantopoulos would bring a wealth of experience with him to the Black Cats, it could be argued that given his inactivity last season (4 appearances in all competitions) as well as his age, he may not be the best man to provide competition for Jon McLaughlin over the coming years.
Keeping this in mind, we have chosen three alternatives to the former Coventry City who we think could do a better job in between the sticks for Sunderland.
Check them out below...
Jordan Archer
Currently a free agent after being let go by Championship side Millwall following the culmination of the 2018/19 campaign, Jordan Archer could prove to be a solid addition for Sunderland if his previous escapades in League One are anything to go by.
A key player for the Lions during his time in the third tier, the Scotland international was instrumental in helping his side secure promotion in 2017 via the play-offs.
If he can repeat this level of performance next season for the Black Cats, there is no reason why Archer cannot play a significant role in helping the club move up through the divisions.
Alex Cairns
One of Fleetwood Town's most impressive players last season, Alex Cairns demonstrated just how talented he is in both of the Trawlermen's fixtures with Sunderland as he inspired his side to take four points away from the clashes.
With only two keepers bettering his total of 16 clean sheets in League One, it is clear that the 26-year-old is a star at this level and so Ross simply has to consider splashing the cash on him this summer.
Given just how talented Cairns is, he may even displace McLaughlin as the club's first-choice keeper during the upcoming campaign if he does sign.
Jay Lynch
Having experienced mixed fortunes at the likes of Accrington Stanley, Bolton Wanderers and Salford City during his career, Jay Lynch has taken his game to new heights since joining AFC Fylde in 2017 and is now one of the best goalkeepers in non-league football.
Whereas he was ultimately powerless to prevent his side from losing in the National League play-off final last month, the 26-year-old's stunning form throughout the 2018/19 campaign saw him concede just 43 goals in 48 appearances and keep a remarkable total on 20 clean sheets.
Although he has never played before at League One level, it could be worth Sunderland taking a risk on Lynch, especially considering that he will be available on a free due to his current deal with Fylde set to expire at the end of June (via Transfermarkt).