The next manager will have to improve this squad if they want to achieve promotion straight back up into the Championship.

Sunderland do have new owners but they will still be limited in the amount they are able to spend, so focusing on bringing in young talents as well as experienced players from League One is the best way to improve this team in a balanced manner in order to ensure they have a strong long-term future as well.

Their best players are likely to be poached, so this is a key transfer window for their future.

Here are four players they could bring in...

Moimbe was one of Oldham's top performers even though he only joined in January and his contract runs out at the end of the season. He would be an excellent signing because he has the quality to excel at this level while also being able to deal with the transition up to the Championship.

Bryan Oviedo could leave in the summer due to being one of Sunderland's best players, so Moimbe would be a good replacement. However, he could provide competition for the role if the Costa Rican stays or Oviedo could even be used higher up the pitch due to his attacking ability.

Forster-Caskey has a chance of playing in the Championship next season due to Charlton being in the play-offs. However, it's unlikely because they finished in sixth spot, so they have Shrewsbury to play who were unlucky not to achieve automatic promotion.

Assuming Charlton will be in League One next season, the Black Cats could try and lure him away due to the status of their club as well as the likelihood that they will get promoted as long as they bring in the right manager.

Forster-Caskey is a capable passer and would allow them to control games which would enable them to force their style on opponents. Him, Paddy McNair and Ethan Robson would be a promising young midfielder to build the team around.

Byrne was another top performer at Oldham who is too good for League Two. He would be another midfielder they could bring in to provide more options or as an alternative to Forster-Caskey if they are unable to bring him in.

His versatility means he can be played as a winger or attacking midfielder as well as a central midfielder. He is only 22-years-old and used to this level, so he would be a smart buy to allow Sunderland to adjust to this level while also having the potential long-term development to continue performing if the Black Cats do achieve promotion.

Pitman would bring them goals at this level because he scored 22 goals in the league this season for Portsmouth. He has plenty of experience of playing in the lower divisions, so he can adapt to the standard required.

Sunderland desperately need someone who can fire them up into the Championship because they lack a prolific striker with Asoro being the top scorer, in the league, in that position with three. Meanwhile Aiden McGeady is the top goalscorer on the team with seven. This would be a great short-term solution because Pitman is 30-years-old, so he is at his peak.