Sunderland look set to be relegated from the Championship and already have a number of League One talents on their radar.
As if Sunderland fans need reminding, money is very tight at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats were restricted to free agents and loans in the January transfer window due to their failure to sell a number of their most high-earning players, notably Jack Rodwell, Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong – the latter joining Watford on loan rather than exiting on a permanent deal.
And with relegation to League One now looking like a certainty for Chris Coleman’s side, the Sun has detailed the approach that Sunderland plan to take in the summer transfer window, and it seems that scrimping and saving will once again be the order of the day.
The report claims that the Black Cats have identified a number of proven, young and affordable League One players who can help them adapt to life in the third tier next season. And four players who have recently been linked with a move to Wearside fit the bill.
The Sun claims that Sunderland are battling Birmingham and Hull for Doncaster Rovers’ 21-year-old centre-back Niall Mason, who has made the step up to League One with ease and has just 12 months left on his contract.
The Shropshire Star also claims that they want to raid surprise promotion challengers Shrewsbury Town for two of their star performers – versatile defender Aristotle Nsiala and nine-goal midfield talisman Jon Nolan (below).
And, finally, Lee Gregory, as reported by the Mail is said to be on Sunderland’s radar. The Millwall striker might have impressed in the Championship this season but has an even better record in the division below, netting 35 times between 2015 and 2017 for the Lions. The hard-working 29-year-old will be a free agent this summer.
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