Sunderland finished the season in 16th position meaning the club’s recruitment team will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
Despite the club currently being without a manager, Sunderland's goalkeeping options look set for a summer reshuffle with former Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore in talks over a switch to Wearside this summer.
As first reported by Alan Nixon, the 34-year-old is a potential target for the Black Cats after the Sky Blues confirmed in their retained list earlier this summer that he would be leaving the club. Moore made 46 appearances across three seasons at Coventry City but was behind Brad Collins and former Sunderland youngster Ben Wilson in the pecking order last season.
Moore would add experience to Sunderland's squad and his potential arrival hints at likely exits in the club's goalkeeping department. While Sunderland have the option to extend for a further year, Alex Bass is entering the final year of his current contract and is expected to leave the club after a successful season at loan at League Two side AFC Wimbledon last time out.
There are also doubts over Nathan Bishop's future at the club following his arrival from Manchester United last summer. Though Bishop started the final game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday, he struggled to push Anthony Patterson for regular minutes over the course of the campaign and is likely to want to pursue first-team football.
For fun and following recent speculation, we’ve put together a possible Sunderland starting XI and bench if the rumours turn out to be true – including several potential new signings!
As first reported by Alan Nixon, the 34-year-old is a potential target for the Black Cats after the Sky Blues confirmed in their retained list earlier this summer that he would be leaving the club. Moore made 46 appearances across three seasons at Coventry City but was behind Brad Collins and former Sunderland youngster Ben Wilson in the pecking order last season.
![West Ham were reportedly interested in the 24-year-old defender last summer, yet Ballard signed a new deal at Sunderland in August last year.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjFiOTU5MTljLWI3YjAtNDIyYi05YjUyLTczYzU1ZTE1YzJhNTplYzFhOTk1OS04Y2I2LTQzM2EtOTk4YS0zMzI0MmFkM2QyMTg=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. CB: Daniel Ballard
West Ham were reportedly interested in the 24-year-old defender last summer, yet Ballard signed a new deal at Sunderland in August last year.Photo: Frank Reid
![While Neil's impressive performances will have attracted interest this season, the Sunderland academy graduate agreed a new deal on Wearside last year, which will run until the summer of 2026. The 22-year-old has talked about his desire to reach the Premier League with his boyhood club.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/16/12/50/GettyImages-2062956281+%281%29.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. CM: Dan Neil
While Neil's impressive performances will have attracted interest this season, the Sunderland academy graduate agreed a new deal on Wearside last year, which will run until the summer of 2026. The 22-year-old has talked about his desire to reach the Premier League with his boyhood club. | Getty Images
![Sunderland reportedly enquired about the 21-year-old midfielder in January, yet Alvero signed for German side Werder Bremen on loan from Lyon instead. Bremen have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of this season. The Frenchman has only made five appearances off the bench since his move to Germany.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdjYzIzY2E4LWE2N2QtNDAwMS1hYzE1LTUzODcxMjg2ZTc0Njo4MGQ5ZDI5OC1lMjdjLTRhNjYtYThjYS00ZDc3MGY2MjIwMjU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. CM: Skelly Alvero
Sunderland reportedly enquired about the 21-year-old midfielder in January, yet Alvero signed for German side Werder Bremen on loan from Lyon instead. Bremen have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of this season. The Frenchman has only made five appearances off the bench since his move to Germany.Photo: OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE
![Oxford United winger Josh Murphy has been linked with a free transfer to Sunderland and Portsmouth this summer.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/07/14/31/GettyImages-2153560731%20%281%29.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. RW: Josh Murphy
Oxford United winger Josh Murphy has been linked with a free transfer to Sunderland and Portsmouth this summer. | Getty Images