After flirting with the drop for many years, Sunderland finally succumbed to the inevitable last season, dropping out of the Premier League with not much dignity in tact.

Moyes has since departed the Stadium of Light, and the Black Cats now face a huge rebuilding process over the summer, as they seek an immediate return to the 'big time'.

On top of what already looks a depleted squad, Sunderland look resigned to losing star men, Jermain Defoe and Jordan Pickford, whilst loan stars, Adnan Januzaj and Jason Denayer will return to their parent clubs.

Sunderland will also have to get certain big earners off their books, with Fabio Borini and Lamine Kone among those to have been touted for a move.

Still without a manager, whoever takes the Sunderland job is sure to be tasked with a defensive rebuild, with the Black Cats' defence at disarray on so many occasions throughout the season.

One man who the Mackems should bring in to address that problem, is former defender, John Egan.

The Irishman man has excelled at the heart of the Bees' defence this season, playing a huge role in Brentford's last minute push up the table.

Egan is a no nonsense defender, but more importantly for Sunderland, he is a leader, and that is what they have been missing at the back all season.

Playing alongside John O'Shea, his Irish counterpart, Egan could learn a lot, and he could turn out to be a shrewd signing by Sunderland.

To succeed in the Championship, it is no secret that you need a solid defensive base, and at the moment, the Black Cats don't have that, and if they don't get that over the course of the transfer window, it is hard to see them making an immediate return to the Premier League.