Sunderland’s transfer policy this summer will ultimately be dictated by the division they’re in.
Promotion to the Championship would be game-changing for not only keeping hold of their star men, but attracting the right quality of player.
What’s the word?
Sunderland are reportedly keen on bringing Dion Sanderson back to the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis next summer.
However, they have been dealt a blow in their bid to keep fellow loanee Jordan Jones at the club.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, a host of clubs in the Championship have contacted Rangers in a bid to discover the winger’s asking price.
Per the report, Barnsley, Cardiff, Stoke and Middlesbrough are all keen on signing him when the window opens.
Sunderland must get him
If the Mackems fail to earn promotion this season then they can wave farewell to Jones for good.
With a plethora of Championship clubs eyeing a deal, it will be nigh on impossible to keep him under Lee Johnson’s watchful guidance.
Achieve promotion, however, and that stance will surely change. Jones has been a breath of fresh air for the Black Cats since signing and has become a real pillar of consistency on the right flank.
The 26-year-old initially had a tough start to life in the north-east, failing to get many starts. However, after scoring a vital goal in the 2-2 draw with Crewe, he’s become vital to their side.
Jones missed the EFL Trophy final with injury but has been devastating lately, scoring two goals and contributing two assists in his last four outings.
We shouldn’t be surprised with that judging by early appraisals. When he first signed for Sunderland on loan, Glasglow Live reporter Mark McDougall commented: “He can be a joy to watch when he's on his game because of how direct and tricky he is."
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His displays have been so good since his arrival that even Kevin Phillips has had positive things to say about him. He told Football Insider: “Jones is one of many players hitting form at the right time with a dozen or so games left. It is exciting times for him and Sunderland at the moment.”
Phillips added: “He will only get better and better, he is a major threat.”
With that in mind, the Mackems would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to sign the £8.5k-per-week winger on a permanent basis.
He has been a massive help to Sunderland’s attack.