Five players Big Sam should sign during summer transfer window

So, with Sunderland securing Premier League survival for another season following a 3-0 victory over Everton, our attention turns to the summer transfer market. What business can Black Cats supporters expect Big Sam Allardyce to be involved in? Well, he’s already confirmed he expects a ‘massive turnover’ and that another wide player, fullback, goal scoring midfielder and striker are his priorities. Let’s take a look at five players Sunderland should sign for the forthcoming 2016/17 season.

1) André Ayew

Ayew was a target of Sunderland’s in January. With a £10mil bid apparently rebuffed by Swansea, Allardyce was even reported to have offered Fabio Borini as a further sweetener in the deal. The former Marseille forward can play up front or out wide. As we know it didn’t happen during the winter, but could a big money offer tempt the Welsh side this time around?

2) Andros Townsend

Like bullies in the schoolyard Sunderland would be literally kicking Newcastle while they are down if they were to swoop for the Toon man. The former Tottenham star was a big money move in the January window for flop Head Coach Steve McClaren, and was one of the few shining lights in what has to be said was a dismal campaign for the Magpies. However, there is allegedly an £8mil release clause in Townsend’s contract and West Ham are already credited with an interest. However, if the England international has grown attached to the North East during his short stint in the region then perhaps Sunderland could be serious contenders for his signature when the bidding war begins in earnest.

3) Lamine Gossama

The Lorient right back was also a target of Sunderland in the January transfer window and could once again emerge as a player of interest given young DeAndre Yedlin will be returning to his parent club following his loan spell. Gossama’s contract is up for renewal in the summer and it would be unusual if Big Sam didn’t rekindle his interest given the circumstances. Another key factor is presumably he already has an understanding on the pitch with former Lorient teammate and current Black Cat Lamine Koné.

4) Timm Klose

Taking advantage of other’s misfortunes is unfortunately part of any business and so it is the same in football. Norwich succumbed to relegation along with Newcastle United but Klose was one of their standout players. A rock in defence since his capture you do wonder whether the Canaries would have capitulated in such cataclysmic fashion if he had remained in the side for their relegation run-in. Player of the month in March and with goals in his locker he would surely jump ahead of John O’Shea in the Black Cats’ pecking order and compete with Younés Kaboul for a starting place in the side.

5) Yann M’Vila

M’Vila has been a standout performer for the Black Cats this season and the offer of a permanent contract has to be a big priority for Big Sam this summer. It’s understood that the Frenchman is keen to remain on Wearside but rumours suggest that M’Vila is paid a huge salary from Russian side Ruben Kazan. Even with the increased Premier League TV money, matching £100,000 per week may be an ask too far for the Black Cats. A compromise would need to be sought from both parties but the midfielder is playing every week for the Rokermen and appears to be enjoying himself in the process. If this deal isn’t concluded quickly I’d be surprised.

So, there you have it. Five players that would suit the needs of the Black Cats in the 2016/17 Premier League season and hopefully help them steer away from another relegation battle.

Can you imagine a boring mid table finish with safety secured weeks in advance? Here’s hoping.