The Preston North End boss is the new favourite to succeed ex-Everton man David Moyes at Sunderland.
Preston manager Simon Grayson
Preston North End boss Simon Grayson is the new bookies favourite to replace David Moyes at Sunderland.
The 47-year-old led Preston to 11th in the Championship this past season, with several Lilywhites stars drawing plaudits along the way.
So which, if any, could follow their manager to Sunderland – if he gets the job…
Ben Pearson
The tenacious midfielder has impressed since moving to Deepdale 18 months ago from Manchester United, where he was a teammate of Sunderland duo Paddy McNair and Donald Love. Another ex-United player Darron Gibson has struggled to replicate his past form since moving to the Stadium of Light from Everton and Pearson, on current form, would surely be an upgrade.
Aiden McGeady
Preston’s undoubted star man in 2016-17, it remains to be seen whether or not McGeady will return to Deepdale from parent club Everton this summer. The 31-year-old has already admitted wanting the move, having scored eight goals and created another nine during his season on loan, but finances could scupper Preston’s chances. Sunderland may be better equipped to meet Everton and McGeady’s demands, however.
Jordan Hugill
The Middlesbrough-born striker could have been a Sunderland player already, were it not for an ankle injury which scuppered a proposed 2009 trial spell. Now an established Championship striker after several years on the non-league circuit and one at Port Vale, Hugill scored 12 league goals this past campaign and could be the perfect Jermain Defoe replacement.
Would you like to see the above Preston [and Everton] players at Sunderland next season?
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