This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Sunderland may have already identified their first summer target with reports linking them with a move for Dion Sanderson.
The Wolves defender is spending the season on loan at the Stadium Of Light with the 21-year-old really proving himself as a player with a bright future ahead of him.
This week Lee Johnson has gone on the record to say that the Black Cats would be keen on a move if the Premier League club were likely to let him move on, but do the League One side have a chance of signing him on a permanent basis?
The team at FLW have their say...
Sam Rourke
He'd be a sensational signing, but I can't see it happening at all.
Sanderson will surely be firmly in Wolves' plans moving forwards with the defender now impresing considerably in loan stints with Cardiff and Sunderland.
The 21-year-old has looked more than comfortable at the back for the Black Cats this season, excelling in both a full-back role and as a centre-back.
I think Lee Johnson knows deep down it's going to be hard to maintain his services for next season, and I expect there to be a queue of clubs looking to snap him up when the transfer window.
He's so versatile and comfortable on the ball, and has so much room to grow, develop and mature as a player.
George Harbey
It would be a real signal of intent and it seems as if the ball is very in Sanderson’s court.
Sanderson has played a fair amount of games for Sunderland under Lee Johnson this season, and is clearly thriving out on loan for the second year running.
I think Wolves would be daft not to have a look at him in pre-season, and even if they don’t see a place for them in the short-term, in a couple of years time, who knows?
I can see him going out on loan again next season, to be honest, so if Sunderland are a Championship club, then they have every chance of landing his services again.
A permanent move is doubtful though, in my opinion.
Jake Sanders
Now this would be a great coup for Sunderland.
However, I think this all depends on what division they're playing in.
Sanderson already had a taste of Championship football with Cardiff last term, and I no doubt he'll have aspirations of playing at a higher level next season.
His form this season has probably warranted him playing in the second-tier, so if Sunderland continue their recent form and up sneaking into the top-two or winning the play-offs, this is a deal I can definitely see happening.
Having said that, at just 21, Sanderson is one for the future, so I doubt that Wolves will be too interested in letting the defender leave permanently, but another loan deal would certainly suit both parties.
