Simon Grayson has been confirmed as the new manager of Sunderland, after they announced that the sale of the club was off.

Grayson, is the replacement for David Moyes who resigned from his post in May, following the Black Cats' relegation from the Premier League, and will be tasked with the job of building a squad capable of competing at the top end of the Championship.

Since his appointment as manager of Preston North End back in 2013, Grayson, led the Lancashire based outfit to promotion to the Championship and guided them to an 11th place finished this season.

With a vast knowledge of the Championship division, Sunderland supporters will be hoping that he is the man to help them return to the Premier League at the quickest opportunity.

One of the biggest tasks that Grayson will face this summer is ensuring that he recruits the correct players to bolster the ranks.

With that in mind, Grayson should look to bring in these three players.....

 

John Ruddy

Following his release from Norwich City, Ruddy, still finds himself without a club ahead of the new season.

Ruddy, started his career at Cambridge United before making a move to Everton, but following a lack of first team opportunities at Goodison Park, the England shot stopper had a number of loan moves away from Merseyside before been snapped up by Norwich City in 2010.

With a wealth of Football League and Premier League experience, Ruddy, could prove to a be terrific signing for Sunderland as they have only Vito Mannone and Mika Domigues in their ranks as first team goalkeepers.

Jordan Hugill

Finishing Preston North End top scorer this campaign under Grayson with 13 goals, Hugill, could be a target for his former manager.

With Sunderland having allowed Jermain Defoe to leave, and with Fabio Borini looking set to join Italian giants AC Milan this summer, Hugill could be bought in to add numbers in attack, and with him already proving he can score goals at Championship level he could prove to be a very good signing for Grayson and Sunderland.

 

Leigh Griffiths

The Celtic striker, had a terrific season this campaign scoring 18 goals and providing 15 assists, for the Scottish Premier League champions.

Griffiths, has had past experience of playing in English football's second tier, when he played for Wolves in the past, and with his goal scoring record and creativity of goals this campaign, if he could repeat that for the Black Cats next season it would surely help them towards promotion.

Sunderland fans… would you like to see this trio arrive at the Stadium of Light this summer? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!