Sunderland will be aiming for promotion at the first time of asking as they can't afford to stay in League One.

The Black Cats have been through one of the worst spells in the club's history with consecutive relegations down to League One, but there is hope that new owner Stewart Donald and a new manager in Ross will be able to turn the club around and get them back to where they deserve to be.

Major personnel changes need to be made, though, because this club has a number of players who will want to be playing in a higher league and the spine of the team needs to be improved.

Here are three key pieces of business that Sunderland need to aim for this summer...

McGinn would be a great option to bring in for this level because he would be effectively stepping down from the Scottish Premier League. He would bolster a key area through his work rate, defensive contributions and attacking drive from deep.

His all-round ability would be suitable for whichever style Ross decides to implement as well as ensuring they have a midfielder who can adapt to the physical demands of League One. McGinn would also be a good replacement for Paddy McNair, who is likely to leave this summer, because he's the same age and fills a similar role.

Asoro is one of Sunderland's brightest prospects and played an important role last season even though he is only 19-years-old. He struggled to make an impression in the league with three goals and two assists in 26 games, but Sunderland did have serious systemic issues as well as being devoid of creativity at times.

Ross needs to do his best to keep him and give him a starring role. Sunderland lack a major goalscoring threat, so there is a clear role in the team for Asoro. He is a skilled dribbler and has an eye for goal, which makes him a significant final third threat. His passing needs working on, but there is plenty of time for him to improve. Keeping him in the long-term will benefit the Black Cats substantially.

Ndong's move to Torino collapsed at the last moment, which was a huge blow for Sunderland. They need to get him off the books because of his high wages as well as his value on the transfer market, which could bring in much-needed funds to spend on other parts of the squad.

Sunderland's financial situation means that high earners have to leave even if they would be a top player in League One. They were lucky that Torino valued Ndong so highly, and they need to aim for a similar price from other clubs, but they may be forced in to selling him at a lower price.