Sunderland have already made an impressive start in the summer transfer window after play-off disappointment last season. Tony Mowbray's young side defied the odds to finish in the top-six and will be looking to kick on when they return to Championship action.
Kristjaan Speakman has closed four deals already with Nectarios Triantis, Jenson Seelt, Jobe Bellingham and Luis Semedo all putting pen to paper at the Stadium of Light. The Wearsiders have also been linked with a return for last season's main man - Amad Diallo.
The Manchester United youngster is set to be given his chance for the Red Devils in pre-season, but another loan move away from Old Trafford could be in the offing. Sunderland are said to be the player's number one choice after a stellar loan spell last season.
However, there has also been interest in a number of key players at the Stadium of Light with Jack Clarke a target for Premier League new boys Burnley. Early bids have been rejected by the club, who hold all the cards this summer given the length of Clarke's deal on Wearside.
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Chronicle Live has taken a look at how the Black Cats could line-up against Ipswich Town if they keep hold of key players and sign those linked with a move to Wearside.
Anthony Patterson
The Sunderland academy graduate established himself as number one at the club and has caught the eye of a number of Premier League sides. Keeping him at the club beyond the summer would represent a great bit of business.
Signed fresh terms last season and expected to stay. If the Black Cats do keep him at the club, he'll only get better having established himself as one of the best in the division.
Trai Hume
The Northern-Ireland international took his chance with both hands last season and established himself in the Black Cats defence. Lynden Gooch returning from injury will provide competition at right-back, but Trai Hume is improving with every game.
Dan Ballard
Another youngster attracting attention from Premier League clubs. Dan Ballard is one of the best ball playing defenders in the division and struck up an impressive partnership with Danny Batth.
Danny Batth
Danny Batth is one of the most experienced players in Sunderland's ranks but like Ballard faces competition from new boy Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt. The Black Cats have much more strength in depth this season but the two more experienced players should just get the nod.
Dennis Cirkin
It was a close call between Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin in the left-back slot, but the former Spurs defender impressed against last season. Gives plenty going forward and likely to start if Mowbray opts to stick with a 4-2-3-1.
Corry Evans
Somewhat of a no-brainer to start Corry Evans, even with his recent injury woes. Sunderland look a different team with the experienced head in the middle and impressive alongside Dan Neil.
Dan Neil
Another youngster on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs with Burnley linked with the midfielder in the past. Has been a mainstay in the Sunderland XI since breaking into the first-team and looks set to stay.
Amad Diallo
If Speakman and co are able to bring Amad Diallo back to Wearside this summer, it would be one of the signings of the window. Everyone at the Stadium of Light knows his qualities and the player is understood to be keen.
Leeds United and Feyenoord have also been linked with a move for the Ivorian international after a stellar campaign in a red and white shirt. All interested parties would have to pitch their plans to Manchester United.
Jobe Bellingham
There's plenty of optimism around Jobe Bellingham's signing and operating in the number 10 - he'd be a fresh option for Mowbray and his coaching staff. Maybe somewhat harsh on Patrick Roberts who was one of Sunderland's best player in the play-off run in last season.
Jack Clarke
If Sunderland can keep the winger at the Stadium of Light for another season he could prove the difference. On his day, the former Tottenham Hotspur winger is one of the best attackers in the division and the strength of the Championship means the Black Cats need different options in their arsenal.
Ross Stewart
If he's recovered from injury, Ross Stewart starts. It's as simple as that.
The Scotland international is one of the best strikers in the division and the club has exercised the option in his contract to take him into his last 12 months at the club. If Speakman can extend his current stay at the club, there's no reason Sunderland can't have genuine play-off push.
Keeping him fit will only prove decisive. It's too early to make a call on Luis Semedo who's highly rated but untested in English football.
