It will take a miracle to keep Sunderland from falling into the third tier, with trips to Gillingham and Southend a far cry from the outings Black Cats fans have enjoyed at Old Trafford and Anfield in recent times.

Chris Coleman has failed to steady the ship having taken over from Simon Grayson earlier in the season, with the former Wales boss perhaps left ruing his decision to abandon the national side in search of glory with a Sunderland side who must still be perceived as a big team at this level.

However, the giant is falling and the former Fulham boss will surely be preparing for life in League One at the back of his mind as his side head into the international break five points from safety.

If they go down, Coleman must beg chairman Ellis Short to sign this trio to mount an instant push for promotion…

The former Blackpool defender has spent the last eight months in League Two with promotion-chasing Lincoln City, but is clear to see that the 29-year-old still has what it takes to compete at the higher level.

A former Wales international with his sixteen caps coming before Coleman’s installation as boss, the Black Cats boss will have paid close attention to the player’s career during his reign and could be tempted to hand the player an opportunity to impress.

Eardley signed a one-year deal with the Imps and fans will be desperate to see him playing his football for Danny Cowley’s side at The Stadium of Light next season for his current side should events lead to their promotion and Sunderland’s relegation, but a good financial package will play a factor in a move.

Could the former Sunderland flop really return to The Stadium of Light?

Joining from Swansea City in 2013, Graham scored just once in thirty-seven league appearances but following an excellent goal-scoring season with Blackburn Rovers in the third tier, Coleman may hand the player an opportunity at redemption.

Graham has bagged a combined total of over twenty goals and assists so far this season and if utilised in the right formation by Coleman at Sunderland, could repeat his antics again at this level with his contract set to expire in the coming months.

Could a summer of returns continue with the acquisition of winger Ross Wallace from Sheffield Wednesday when his Owls contract expires?

Money will be tight in the north east and free agency will be the most appealing option to the club’s board and a man of Wallace’s experience will certainly stand out to Coleman as a potential addition.

The 32-year-old spent three years on Wearside following a 2006 switch from Celtic, before moving on to Preston North End and then a successful career with Burnley.

The player would be a star in the third tier and a move closer to his native Scotland may appeal.

Sunderland fans, thoughts?