The summer transfer window is fast approaching, with Sunderland preparing for Sky Bet League One.
Sunderland’s relegation was confirmed last weekend, with defeat to Fulham on Friday evening rooting the Black Cats to the foot of the Sky Bet Championship table.
Further news came over the course of the weekend, with a takeover at the Stadium of Light edging closer after a deal was agreed, with Chris Coleman also departing, with a change in manager on the agenda ahead of the summer.
There is just one fixture of the Championship season remaining before Sunderland’s full attention turns to the summer, which looks set to be a huge one at the Stadium of Light.
There needs to be some big changes in personnel before next season, with the squad that Sunderland currently have available to them struggling.
With that in mind, here is a look at TWO players Sunderland need to sign in the coming weeks, and TWO that need to be offloaded…
Coyle has enjoyed a magnificent year on-loan with Fleetwood Town in League One, where John Sheridan has praised the right-back’s attitude.
The defender will be returning to Leeds United for pre-season, but it remains to be seen if he gets his chance at Elland Road.
If Coyle is available again, Sunderland should make their move, as he seems the exact kind of player the club have been missing.
It looks like Nuhiu will be on his way out of Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, with no contract extension for the striker agreed yet.
Nuhiu’s goalscoring form during the second-half of the Championship season has been terrific and he’d be an excellent addition at the Stadium of Light.
It would be some coup for Sunderland, but if they can get the right manager in, Nuhiu might be open to a move.
There really is no other place to start.
Rodwell’s spell with Sunderland has been a disaster and the Stadium of Light faithful will be delighted to see the back of the midfielder.
Sunderland need Rodwell out as soon as possible.
Like Rodwell, Kone will be a big earner at the Stadium of Light and probably someone the club can’t afford to take into League One with them.
Kone has produced good performances in a Sunderland shirt, but this summer, getting the £6.3m-rated defender off the books, will be a priority.