Five players Sunderland could target in cut-price deals this summer | OneFootball

Sunderland hope to strengthen for the Europa League after a 2-1 home win over Chelsea clinched seventh place.

The league phase brings at least eight extra games, so Regis Le Bris needs greater depth. Sunderland Echo highlights five cut-price targets in the final year of their contracts.

Curtis Jones, short of starts despite 49 outings last term, could be allowed to leave as he approaches the final year of his Liverpool deal, and his intelligence and versatility would appeal.

Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney has long drawn Premier League interest, with Nottingham Forest moving late in January and Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle also linked, and he looks ready to step up amid likely competition.

Lazio centre-back Mario Gila, signed from Real Madrid in summer 2022, has 120 appearances and European experience across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League that could aid Sunderland.

If Robin Roefs departs after a standout first season, only for a huge fee, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atabolu, capped 22 times by Germany Under-21s and already past 120 senior games, could be a smart contingency.

Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch has 16 senior appearances this season, including against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and with one year left and no new deal announced, the expected arrival of Jose Mourinho may influence his future.

Source: Sunderland Echo