Three players Sunderland should target if they are relegated

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Being at the bottom of the Premier League is a precarious situation to be in at this stage of the season but Sunderland have grown accustomed to it.

Sunderland manager David Moyes

In recent seasons, the slog of a relegation fight has become second nature to the Black Cats. Whilst running risk of pointing out the blatantly obvious, it is fair to say that another battle to beat the drop was something Sunderland were keen to avoid. The arrival of David Moyes in the summer has failed to have the impact everyone associated with the club was hoping for. They currently sit six points adrift of safety and despite previous heroics are being backed heavily to finally succumb to relegation.

At this stage of the season, a manager’s thoughts will naturally turn towards transfer targets for the next campaign. When you don’t know what league your side will be playing in, it can prove a more arduous task. Moyes can be forgiven for looking at players who will be turning out in the Championship at the Stadium of Light come August. With this in mind, we take a look at three players Sunderland should target for a promotion push.

Tom Lees

Sheffield Wednesday centre half Lees has been an influential figure for the Owls in recent seasons. He has gained a number of admirers during his time at Hillsborough and was linked strongly with a move to Premier League side Burnley last summer, as reported by the Star. Sunderland would require a defender with vast Championship experience and the former Leeds man has that in abundance. The 26-year-old has over 200 appearances under his belt in this division and arguably his best years are still ahead of him. His signing will come with a hefty price tag as he signed a five year contract extension in August.

Tom Cairney

Cairney is enjoying a prolific season with promotion chasing Fulham. The 26-year-old is starting to realise his full potential under the stewardship of Slavisa Jokanovic. With nine goals and ten assists to his name already, the dynamic midfielder has just recently earned himself his first call up for Scotland. Sunderland have lacked goals and a creative outlet from the centre of the pitch. Cairney will provide a much needed boost to an uninspiring midfield. Like Lees, it will take a big offer for Fulham to consider selling their prized asset especially if they fail to gain promotion.

Tom Cairney has scored ten goals so far this season

Sam Gallagher

Gallagher is currently on loan at Blackburn from Premiership side Southampton. The 21-year-old is highly rated at St Mary’s and he has impressed with his performances at Ewood Park. An impressive return of ten goals for a side in the midst of a relegation battle has convinced many that is future is at a higher level. Southampton are blessed with an array of attacking options and the signing of Gallagher is a feasible one. If he is to leave the Saints, another season in the Championship will not be harmful to his development, especially in a side with realistic promotion ambitions.

Sam Gallagher has impressed in a struggling Blackburn Rovers side