Lawrence Shankland signs: How Sunderland AFC's dream summer transfer window could look | OneFootball

After a decent start to the season under Tony Mowbray, who had Sunderland just outside the play-offs, the decision to sack him looks a more bizarre decision by the week.

With eight games to go, the Black Cats, now with Mike Dodds in interim charge, are sitting in 12th place, 13 points off the play-off places.

Mowbray was backed in the summer again after reaching the play-off semi-finals last season, bringing in ten permanent signings.

However, it can be argued that only a few have worked out so far - whilst most of those are quite young and still have time to reach their potential, it is clear that the hierarchy have ambitions for Premier League football.

It will be another big summer for Sunderland, so here we take a look at what their dream (but realistic) transfer window could look like, with two arrivals and two departures.

In - Ronnie Edwards

Edwards is one of the best young centre-backs in the EFL, and it is surprising to see he is still in League One.

At Peterborough United, the 20-year-old has been brilliant, has over 100 EFL appearances already, and fits the profile that Sunderland would want.

Centre back has been a problem position for Sunderland, with them having to use players out of position in there due to injuries and a lack of depth.

So recruiting a centre-back has to be a priority, and whilst Edwards will have Premier League suitors, the offer of regular first-team football could be a key factor in a decision for him to come to the north east.

In - Lawrence Shankland

Lawrence Shankland celebrates scoring for Hearts

Another problem position for Sunderland is at striker.

In the summer, four strikers were brought in, and they have scored a combined three league goals.

With Clarke probably leaving, there will be a complete lack of goal threat. So a lethal finisher up top is needed.

The Black Cats need to look no further than Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland. He is currently the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership, scoring 20 goals so far - six more than any other player.

The 28-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Sunderland, and with only a year left on his deal at Tynecastle, it is expected that he will move on.

It appears a no-brainer for Sunderland to get ahead of their Championship rivals and get the proven goalscorer they have been crying out for.

Out - Bradley Dack

Dack joined the club in the summer on a free transfer, after his contract had expired at Blackburn Rovers.

Injury troubles plagued his time at Ewood Park, and it has unfortunately followed him to the Stadium of Light.

The 30-year-old has been limited to just five starts, and has not appeared since Boxing Day through injury - but was an unused substitute in their last match.

Sunderland have clearly tried to recruit younger players, and Dack is the opposite. They only signed him on a one-year deal, so he is set to leave at the end of the season.

The club do have an option to trigger a year extension - but they are better off letting him leave.

Out - Jack Clarke

This is not a player Sunderland fans will want to see leave, but with the amount of interest surrounding him in January, it almost seems a formality that he departs the Stadium of Light.

But the dream scenario for Sunderland is that they get a very big fee.

Lazio had an offer of €16 million (£13.7 million) rejected for him in January, but it was said that Sunderland wanted €25 million (£21.3 million).

Clarke has two years left on his desk though, and with him being so pivotal, Sunderland can afford to ask for a lot. If they can get £25 million for him, that has to be seen as a brilliant deal by the Black Cats.