Departures from Sunderland were always expected this summer as the club heads back to the Sky Bet Championship - particularly after a difficult few years in the Premier League, where the Black Cats have avoided relegation by the narrowest of margins and are in desperate need of a fresh start.

Sunderland’s supporters will be disappointed to see Jermain Defoe leave over the summer, with the England striker set to link-up with Eddie Howe at AFC Bournemouth, whilst there will be hope that Jordan Pickford remains at the Stadium of Light ahead of next season.

The Chronicle Live have reported that five first-team players are set to leave Sunderland for free this summer, with Jan Kirchhoff, Steven Pienaar, Joleon Lescott, and Will Buckley among them.

Surprisingly, Sunderland are also set to let Victor Anichebe leave the Stadium of Light this summer, despite the expected departure of Defoe.

Anichebe will not be short of offers this summer, with the 29-year old more than capable of excelling in the Championship.

It was a frustrating 2016/17 campaign for Anichebe, who scored just three goals from his 18 appearances in the Premier League.

However, the striker has shown his capabilities throughout his career, and standing at 6ft 3in, Anichebe will have no problems with the physicality in the second-tier.

It remains to be seen if Anichebe will be playing in the Championship or Premier League next season, but one thing is certain, Sunderland may regret letting Anichebe leave, as there will surely be a list of English clubs willing to take a gamble on the 29-year old free agent.