Sunderland must join Southampton in Rangers transfer chase: View | OneFootball

Sunderland are one team that will have plenty to do during the summer transfer window.

Looking at their squad, it's clear that they need to add a couple of experienced strikers to their squad to maximise their chances of success next season.

They have talented options across their squad, but up front, it's clear that more quality is needed if they want to finish anywhere near the top six at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, having fallen short of expectations this summer.

Not only do they need strikers to compensate for their lack of firepower in this department, but they also need these options to try and ensure they are fully prepared for Jack Clarke's potential departure this summer.

With the player having two years left on his contract and the Wearside outfit missing out on a promotion place, it seems inevitable that their star winger will leave during the upcoming window.

Jobe Bellingham is another player who could attract plenty of interest, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio previously being linked with a move for the teenager.

The potential exits of these players makes it crucial that the attacking areas are focused on when the summer window opens.

One player who could be a good signing is Rangers striker Kemar Roofe.

Roofe has only scored one goal in 12 league appearances this season, but looking at his time at Ibrox as a whole, his goalscoring record has been fairly tidy.

Doing well at Leeds United before making the move north of the border, the forward has enjoyed a very successful career thus far, also establishing himself as a real hero at Oxford United.

At 31, it could be argued that he isn't a long-term solution at the Stadium of Light, but he should have at least two good years to give the Black Cats, as someone who has performed well in the Championship before and has plenty of valuable experience under his belt.

The Wearside club's board may be keener to see the likes of Nazariy Rusyn given more minutes than Roofe considering his age, and although that's admirable as the club look to build for the long term, success in the short term is also required so they can build momentum for the coming years.

With experience also comes leadership - and Roofe is someone who knows what it's like to be under pressure when at the top end of a division.

That experience should only help the younger players in the Black Cats' dressing room.

His versatility should also be useful, with the Jamaican able to operate on the wing. Mike Dodds' side could be set to lose a wide attacking threat this summer with Clarke being linked with a move away, so having Roofe as an option along with Patrick Roberts could be useful.

Roofe's contract expires in the summer too, so he could be an affordable option on Wearside.

If the Black Cats are to win this race though, they will need to fend off competition from other teams.

Fulham and Sheffield United are reported to be keen - but it looks as though the Cottagers will only be able to offer him Premier League football - with the Blades destined for the drop.

Southampton and Queens Park Rangers are also thought to be interested, with replacements potentially needed for Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes at St Mary's and Loftus Road.

With plenty of teams in the mix for him, the Black Cats would probably need to offer him an attractive package, but whether they would be willing to meet his wage demands remains to be seen.