With just three games left to play in the Championship this season, it is looking increasingly likely that Sunderland will be relegated to League One.

After 43 games, Chris Coleman's side have picked up just 34 points, meaning that they are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

They are six points off safety and realistically need to win all three of their remaining games if they hope to survive.

Even then, it is not in their hands.

But with League One looming, the powers that be at Sunderland will already be thinking about who should stay and who should be let go.

You can expect a mass exodus at Sunderland this summer with top performers such as Paddy McNair and George Honeyman likely to attract attention from other Championship clubs while below-par performers like Jason Steele, Lee Camp, Robin Ruiter and Jack Rodwell are likely to be axed.

Here are three players who should resist the urge to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.

Lynden Gooch has enjoyed a successful season for Sunderland, starring in an attacking midfield role with two goals and four assists.

The 22-year-old has been one of the rare bright sparks this season in a dim season for the Black Cats but he should remain at Sunderland and be a central figure in League One to continue his progress.

There have been plenty of rumours linking striker Josh Maja with a move to the Premier League this summer.

But the 19-year-old, who has scored one goal this season, needs regular playing time and he would definitely get that in League One for Sunderland.

There is a similar case to be made for Maja's fellow youngster Joel Asoro, who has scored twice this season.

The 18-year-old, who plays for Sweden under-21s, has Premier League interest but a season in League One would be more beneficial for his development.