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.