Five cut-price targets Sunderland could pursue in the summer window | OneFootball

Sunderland plan summer reinforcements after a 2-1 home win over Chelsea clinched seventh and Europa League qualification.

The league phase guarantees at least eight extra games, so Regis Le Bris, formerly of Lorient, needs greater depth. According to Sunderland Echo, five players in the final 12 months of their deals could be cut-price options before September.

An ambitious option, Curtis Jones struggled for minutes despite 49 outings, just over half starts. The six-times capped England international enters his final year at Anfield and could appeal at the right price.

Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney has drawn Premier League interest, with a late January move from Nottingham Forest reported and links to Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle. Dynamic and progressive, he seems ready to step up amid strong competition.

Mario Gila, tentatively linked with England, has impressed at centre-back in a four-year Lazio spell after joining from Real Madrid in summer 2022. His 120 games and European minutes could aid Sunderland.

Robin Roefs has been linked away after a stellar first year, and only a mammoth bid would tempt Sunderland. As contingency, Freiburg’s 22-times capped Germany Under-21 keeper Noah Atabolu, with 120-plus senior games, could be equally shrewd.

Reports this year suggested Sunderland interest in Real Madrid’s Thiago Pitarch and a positive relationship between the clubs. He made 16 senior appearances, including against Manchester City and Bayern, enters his final year, and talks have been mooted with no new deal, while Jose Mourinho’s expected arrival could influence matters.

Source: Sunderland Echo