Sunderland are facing the prospect of a huge summer in the transfer market.

After missing out on promotion to the Championship for the third season running it means that the Wearsiders are needing to cut their cloth and restructure their playing squad for future success.

A number of players have already been moved on such as Max Power, Conor McLaughlin, Callum McFadzean and Grant Leadbitter, while numerous other high-profile stars may yet follow them out of the exit door.

Transfer funds are likely to be limited for the Black Cats this summer, meaning that they may have to shop smart as they look to fill a number of key positions in Lee Johnson's squad.

Free agents are an ideal way to do just that, but who should be on Sunderland's radar this summer? Here are nine options.

The Charlton forward is going to be hot property this summer.

Chuks Aneke enjoyed a really good season for the Addicks after finding the back of the net on 15 occasions in all competitions - a decent tally considering the injury problems that he's been contending with.

The 27-year-old is out of contract this summer, meaning that he looks increasingly likely to leave the club on a free transfer.

Clubs in the Championship have been sniffing around but if Lee Johnson can convince the player that they'll be promoted this season with Sunderland, it may be enough to tempt Aneke to the North East.

After all, Sunderland will need at least one striker this summer and he could certainly fit the bill.

Left back is going to be a big priority this summer.

With Callum McFadzean moving on and Denver Hume's future in doubt it means that Sunderland will need at least one person coming in in their place, with Scott Tanser among those linked.

The St Johnstone full-back has been excellent in the Scottish Premiership this term and has helped his side to an unexpected domestic cup double.

At 26 years of age Tanser is approaching his prime years but with his contract currently set to expire it means that there is a bargain to be had.

Other clubs are said to be keen, while St Johnstone are also still hopeful of tying up a deal so Sunderland will need to move quickly if they want to get this one done.

With strikers a key priority this summer, it's no surprise that so many frontmen have been linked.

Guy Melamed is a player who has been on Sunderland's radar for a couple of months with Football Insider reporting earlier this year that the Black Cats, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town were keen on a move for the player.

Another player who currently plays for St Johnstone, the 29-year-old will be moving on this summer after his departure from the Scottish side was confirmed this week.

Melamed scored seven times in 23 appearances this term - a decent strike rate - and that's why Sunderland are clearly keen to make a move for the player as they look for bargain solutions to their summer objectives.

However with so many clubs interested it could be a tough one to do.

A bold choice, but one who could really help Sunderland.

Alex Pritchard is a technically-gifted midfield player who is renowned for his passing, vision and set piece delivery but it seems like he's going to be moving on this summer.

The midfielder has been playing for Huddersfield but was limited to just 19 appearances last term for the Terriers.

Lee Johnson is looking for technical players to improve his team this summer and while the 28-year-old will surely be holding out for a Championship move, it could prove to be a massive coup if he can be tempted to the North East.

QPR have been linked with the player but Sunderland could do a lot worse than testing the water here.

Another move that is perhaps a little bit bold.

Matthew Olusunde is a real talent having started his career with Manchester United before moving on to Rotherham United.

The full-back has broken into the first team over the last two years and made 32 appearances for the club as the Millers fell to relegation back to League One last term.

Out of contract this summer, the 23-year-old is likely to attract plenty of interest from clubs in the Championship, but given Sunderland's status within the game, it's certainly a deal that they should be looking at.

With exciting plans ahead it's not out of the question that Olusunde could be tempted to the Stadium Of Light.

Lee Johnson has plenty of connections in the game and that could really benefit Sunderland this summer.

Jack Hunt has been playing for Bristol City since he moved to the club from Sheffield Wednesday and has really established himself as a core player at Ashton Gate.

However with his contract expiring this summer the full-back is set to move on for a new challenge.

First team football will be a priority for the player, and after featuring under Johnson during his time with the Robins, a move to the Stadium Of Light could see the duo reunited.

Johnson needs trusted figures and so a move for the 30-year-old could be just what the doctor ordered.

Another player who should be on Sunderland's radar.

Jack Whatmough came through the youth set-up with Portsmouth and has since gone on to establish himself as a key first team player on the South Coast.

The 24-year-old is has been tipped for life in the Championship by Danny Cowley, but if a move can't be completed then perhaps moving to promotion-contenders Sunderland could be an option.

It's a big ask to think that the centre-back will leave Portsmouth for a divisional rival, but if Sunderland are aiming high then they need to be pursuing players like Whatmough as they look to work towards the Championship.

Sunderland are certain to be looking at wingers this summer and so Jordan Graham could be a great option.

The 26-year-old has been a real threat for Gillingham this term after scoring 13 and creating nine for the League One club in all competitions.

Football League World exclusively revealed that Birmingham City were keen on a move for the player this summer, but it wouldn't be a surprise if Sunderland were sniffing around as well.

Players like Graham aren't available on a free transfer every day and so this is certainly one that Lee Johnson should have an eye on.

The central defender is bound to have plenty of suitors this summer.

Ro-Shaun Williams started his career with Manchester United but has since gone on to establish himself as one of League One's best defenders with Shrewsbury Town.

After failing to agree a new deal the 22-year-old is moving on this summer, meaning that he'll be available for a nominal fee.

This is exactly the sort of deal that Sunderland should be targeting and I'd be surprised if the Black Cats aren't among a number of Championship and League One clubs who are enquiring about him.