Since taking over the club in the summer, Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has completely reinvigorated the ailing club. 

Incompetence at all levels had soured the relationship between the club and its fans over the last few years to an almost irreparable level.

Relegation from the Premier League was followed immediately by relegation from the Championship and something really needed to change.

With Jack Ross's side currently sat in third place in the League One table and sit just one point behind Peterborough United, with a game in hand, it appears it may well have.

They have won their last four games and five of their last seven, having not lost since the middle of September.

The reciprocal love between the club and its fans seems to have returned.

But there is one glaring issue that he simply must sort now in order to avoid another disaster.

What? 

19-year-old striker Josh Maja has been in sparkling form this season.

He received his chance largely thanks to summer signing Charlie Wyke arriving with a knee injury and he has grasped it with both hands.

With nine goals already he has become one of the hottest striking properties outside the Premier League and clubs will undoubtedly be keeping a keen eye on his progression.

He has also become the Black Cats most important player and it is here that the problem lies.

The striker's current contract expires at the end of this season and negotiations over a new deal seem to be taking a concerning amount of time.

With the January window approaching, it leaves the club in an extremely vulnerable position as clubs will smell the chance of a bargain and Maja will be able to move fairly easily if he fancies it.

Donald must act now and tie Maja down to a new contract. They have a strong squad, but losing their focal point would be a disaster for Sunderland.