Sunderland don’t know what division they’ll be in next season but that hasn’t stopped the Mackems from preparing for the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

The Black Cats are in the market for one of the most promising full-backs in the EFL according to Football League World.

They believe that Tranmere Rovers defender Otis Khan is a target for Sunderland, with the League One club weighing up a move ahead of the summer.

The 25-year-old only joined Tranmere last summer but could already be on the move with Preston North End and Portsmouth also in the race to sign him.

It’s not clear how much Khan will cost, but he currently earns a salary of just £800-per-week at Prenton Park. Clearly, wages will not be an issue for a club like Sunderland.

The perfect signing

Lee Johnson has breathed fresh life into this Mackems side and now they look in an extremely good place to get promoted.

Part of Johnson’s mantra has been to get Sunderland to score more goals. They have already dispatched fellow promotion hopefuls Lincoln 4-0 while they’ve also put four past Doncaster Rovers.

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The addition of Khan, therefore, would be perfect. A right-winger by trade, Tranmere boss Keith Hill has turned the player into an attack-minded full-back.

So far this term, the defender has managed 1.4 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in League Two.

It’s his ability to take players on and beat opponents that really catches the eye, something Sunderland witnessed firsthand in the Papa John’s Trophy final.

Khan was a constant threat at Wembley. Despite his team losing, the defender terrorised Callum McFadzean down Sunderland’s left-hand side.

The 25-year-old was a menace for Tranmere and completed as many as four dribbles, the joint-highest of any player on the day.

He also attempted seven crosses and won five of his seven duels defensively. For a Sunderland side who have had plenty of injuries at the back this term, the acquisition of Khan would be a valuable one.

His mentality would also fit the group of players at the Stadium of Light; "he’s a great character and works hard at what he does," Hill said back in November.

The Tranmere star defines exciting; combining a ruthless attacking intent with a desire to win the ball back for his team. This would be a great signing.

AND in other news, SAFC graduate has seen his value rise by £9m since leaving, he's a "rock-solid" gem...