Sunderland boss Alex Neil and chief Kristjaan Speakman will currently be hard at work as they plot deals to improve the squad for the upcoming Championship campaign.
A development recently emerged on their pursuit of Nathan Broadhead as they head into the summer transfer window...
The Northern Echo reported that the Black Cats are now in talks with Everton over a deal to re-sign the centre-forward.
He spent the season just gone on loan from the Toffees and has one year left on his contract at Goodison Park, with Sunderland now hoping to snap him up again.
Forget Ross Stewart
The report also claims that Stewart is in line for a new contract at the club but the deal that will really get the Stadium of Light rocking is for Broadhead.
In the 2021/22 campaign, the Welshman enjoyed an excellent time with the club as he proved that he can score goals on a regular basis when fit. He managed to find the back of the net ten times in just 15 League One outings and this shows that he is clinical in front of goal.
The attacker only missed five 'big chances' in 22 appearances, whilst Stewart missed 23 'big chances' in 49 games for the club. These statistics suggest that Broadhead produced a higher standard of finishing than the Scot, which bodes well for his prospects in the Championship - where chances may be harder to come by.
Wigan have been linked with a swoop for the attacker, but journalist Josh Bunting has backed the player to pick the Black Cats, Tweeting:
"I’d like to think if it came to it Nathan Broadhead would choose Sunderland, he’s loved by the fans, he plays in front of a big crowd each week, he experienced that atmosphere at Wembley. Playing with a big club and one that is moving in the right direction, easy choice."
Speakman must now ensure that he can get a permanent deal over the line for the Wales international ahead of Wigan. The stadium would be rocking with excitement over the move because of his impressive performances throughout his loan spell.
Supporters would also look forward to what he can do in the future. At the age of 24, he is still in the early stages of his career and has plenty of time left on his hands to develop into a top player, at Championship level and potentially higher.