For the first time in 10 years, Sunderland A.F.C. will kick off their league campaign in the second tier of English football.

After flirting with relegation for years, The Black Cats finally succumbed to the drop without putting up much a fight last season.

David Moyes announced his departure from the club in recent weeks, and whoever comes into the Stadium of Light this summer has it all to do.

A huge wage bill to reduce and acquiring players with Championship acumen will not be easy, and the work must begin as soon as possible if Sunderland are to put together a squad capable of competing in the difficult division.

One player recently touted with a move to the north east is Northern Irish winger Niall McGinn, who has shown phenomenal form with Aberdeen since his move to Pittodrie in 2012.

Since linking up with the Dons on a free transfer, McGinn has notched an impressive 58 goals in 179 appearances for the Scottish club, and a move to England is now on the cards.

McGinn enjoyed a successful spell in League One on loan at Brentford in 2011, and the Dungannon born forward will certainly be open to another English adventure.

With 50 caps to his name, McGinn is the type of player Sunderland will look to bolster their squad with this summer, especially if Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes heads to Sunderland this summer too.

A free transfer with reasonable wage demands, McGinn could add goals and creativity to a Sunderland side in the midst of a massive rebuild, and will certainly be on the radar of the Black Cats in the coming weeks.