Five signings for Dick Advocaat to make for Sunderland

With Sunderland’s Premier League status confirmed for another season, the Black Cats are keen for Dick Advocaat to become head coach on a permanent basis.

After steering the Northeast side to safety having taken over from Gus Poyet in March, chairman Ellis Short has made the Dutchman a permanent offer to stay at the club.

“Mr Short made a commitment when he said he wants the club to be in the top 12 on a regular basis, so that means the club has to invest,” said Advocaat.

“They want me to stay, definitely. They discussed it already a couple of weeks ago but I have to be honest to everybody, to my family and the club. I will take a holiday and in that week I will take a decision and let them know what I will do.”

With this in mind, Coral take a look at five signings who could improve their side for next season.

Nir Britton
Celtic’s Israeli midfielder, is attracting the interest of the north east club, with a Sunderland insider recently shedding light on the situation.

“[Nir] Bitton’s outstanding display against Inter Milan in the Europa League in February really brought him to our attention and we have been impressed with his consistently strong performances in the Scottish Premiership.”

The 23-year-old is expected to be the subject of a £5m bid.

Jonny Evans
Louis van Gaal is reportedly set to wield the axe, with former two-time Black Cats loanee Evans one of the names likely to be heading to the Old Trafford departure lounge.

He may do compatriot and friend, Advocaat a favour and offer the Northern Ireland centre back to Sunderland permanently. Evans could help to significantly shore up the backline on Wearside, while simultaneously joining former teammates John O’Shea and Wes Brown, who is out of contract this summer.

Fabio Borini
Keen on the Italian striker on a permanent basis after his contribution helped Sunderland survive last season, and a £16m fee had been agreed between the Black Cats and his parent club Liverpool. However, Borini wanted to fight for his place at Anfield, though when given the chance this term, he has been largely disappointing and not really aprt of Reds boss Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

A return to the Stadium of Light may be on the cards this summer, and it would likely be at a lower fee, due to his inability to offer a clear alternative to Rickie Lambert and Raheem Sterling, while Daniel Sturridge struggled with injury and Mario Balotelli flopped.

Will Hughes
Advocaat may be tempted to look in the Championship for players he may think can make a difference. Derby County’s talented midfielder Hughes definitely has potential to play at a higher level, and the opportunity to supply Jermain Defoe on a regular basis may be too good an opportunity to turn down.

Tom Huddlestone
If Hull City are relegated, which is likely, a move for their former Tottenham player could be a wise decision. Huddlestone’s presence in midfield, plus his ability to play a wide range of passes may have the desired effect on the Black Cats, and he may be available for as little as £5m.