Sunderland are gearing up for a massive summer in the transfer market.

The Black Cats have just two matches left of the regular season to secure a spot in the League One play-offs - an objective that they have to complete if they're to have any chance of securing promotion to the Championship next term.

Whether the club get promoted or not could have a huge impact on how the club tackle the summer window, not to mention the dilemma regarding player contracts.

Sunderland have a large number of first team players who are out of contract at the end of the season, including first team regulars such as Lee Burge, Luke O'Nien, Max Power, Josh Scowen, Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke.

With no contract extensions yet agreed it means that the club could be preparing for the worst-case scenario that these players move on.

If that was to happen, Lee Johnson would be left with a select few players from the current squad, while also looking to the transfer market for replacements.

A handful of players have already been linked with Sunderland, and if they join then they may make up a makeshift XI for Johnson as he tackles next term.

With that in mind we take a look at how the team could look next season if those targets are to join the Sunderland players with contracts who run beyond the summer, as per Transfermarkt.

Let's get this straight, we know that the 17-year-old won't be starting in goal next term, but it just shows how desperate the club's goalkeeper situation could be.

With the end of the season near, Lee Johnson faces the prospect of having Lee Burge, Remi Matthews and Anthony Patterson out of contract.

That could be a big problem.

In the worst-case scenario that all three players move on, it means that the search for at least two goalkeepers will be on.

So far there have been no goalkeepers linked with the club, but if any of the trio move on then you know that they'll be focusing on that.

The Tranmere Rovers man has already been linked with a move to the club.

Football League World exclusively revealed that Khan was being monitored by Sunderland, Portsmouth and Preston North End with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

With Conor McLaughlin, Luke O'Nien and Max Power all out of contract this summer it could potentially pave the way for a new right-back to join the club.

The 25-year-old could be that man after impressing for the League Two side so far this term, meaning that a free transfer could be on the cards.

Based on the worst-case scenario Khan may find himself thrust into the first team fold as a result.

A man who has struggled for first team opportunities of late.

Flanagan has been limited to just 21 appearances for Sunderland so far this term with injuries playing a large role in his lack of action.

More recently Lee Johnson has preferred using Bailey Wright, Dion Sanderson and even Luke O'Nien at centre-back, but again, this is largely due to the number of injuries at the heart of the defence.

With several players out of contract this summer it could pave the way for the 29-year-old to battle his way into the first team next term.

Of course that will depend on his ability to prove his fitness.

One of the few players who has been regularly involved in the team this season.

Bailey Wright moved to Sunderland in January 2020 but endured a frustrating first six months at the club due to injury during his loan spell from Bristol City.

This term, he's been a much more prominent figure.

With several players out of contract it seems that the 28-year-old will be a central figure next term and that means that his influence at the club could grow even further.

A similar situation is emerging at left-back with Callum McFadzean and Denver Hume set to be out of contract this summer.

It remains to be seen whether each of the two players will leave the club at the end of the season, but there's a chance that Sunderland will need to sign at least one full-back this summer.

The Sunderland Echo linked Doig with a move to the Stadium Of Light earlier this season, but at 18 years of age it'd be a huge ask to slot straight into the starting XI.

A number of other players have been linked with a move as well, but given that Lee Johnson could be losing two big players it could mean that it's a troublesome position over the coming months.

A player who supporters would love the club to sign.

Jordan Jones has been a key player for Sunderland since completing his loan move in the January transfer window, playing 16 matches, scoring three and creating four goals in that time.

With Rangers keen to offload the player this summer, the Black Cats have been boosted by reports from Football Insider that claim that the player would be happy to return to Wearside next term.

Whether such a move will depend on the club securing promotion to the Championship remains to be seen, but fans will be fairly confident that the player could be strutting his stuff at the club next term.

The American could be set for an increased role at the club next term.

With the likes of Max Power, Josh Scowen and Grant Leadbitter all out of contract in the summer it could potentially mean that the attacking midfielder is shifted into a more central role.

Gooch has generally been used on the right flank or just behind the striker, but on the basis of those players moving on he could be asked to take on a more disciplined role unless a new arrival comes in.

Whether he'll be able to do that effectively, however, remains to be seen.

Another player who could be a much more central figure next term.

Carl Winchester moved to Sunderland in January this year after leaving Forest Green Rovers and since then he's made 17 appearances for the club.

The 28-year-old hasn't necessarily been a regular starter under Lee Johnson, but given the contract situations with Max Power, Josh Scowen and Grant Leadbitter he could be a much more prominent player next term.

Should those players move on then I firmly expect Sunderland to enter the transfer market, but to be fair that's a worst-case scenario with at least two or those three likely to stick around.

Another player who has been linked with a summer move to Sunderland.

Football League World exclusively revealed that the Black Cats were keen on a move for Carlos Mendes Gomes after impressing in League Two for Morecambe.

The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals for the club this term and looks set for a career at a higher level.

Given that Sunderland face the prospect of losing Aiden McGeady and perhaps Jordan Jones as well it means that the Wearsiders could be looking for young, hungry attacking additions.

If he does come in then I wouldn't bet against Lee Johnson chucking him straight in.

A player who perhaps has been a victim of competition for places.

Ross Stewart moved to Sunderland from Ross County during the January transfer window and has had to be patient due to Charlie Wyke's impeccable form in attack.

30 goals is nothing to be sniffed at, but with Wyke attracting a lot of attention there's a huge question mark over his future at the club.

That could be the perfect scenario for Stewart as he looks to establish himself at the Stadium Of Light.

Should Wyke move on then I'm sure that the 24-year-old will be keen to seize the opportunity, regardless of whether the club enter the market for a new player.

One of Sunderland's most underrated players this season.

Aiden O'Brien may have only scored six times for the club this season but his link-up play has been a vital part of the club's success this term.

With Charlie Wyke moving on there's a good chance that the former Millwall man will need to step up next season.

Whether he can do that remains to be seen but I'm certainly expect the forward to be involved next term.