Sunderland Transfers: 10 Players Derek McInnes Could Bring With Him
Starting From Scratch.
Multiple reports have today proffered that Sunderland AFC will make an official approach for Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes following David Moyes' May departure.
Black Cats' chairman Martin Bain has been coy since the former Everton and Manchester Utd manager left the club at the culmination of a disastrous relegation campaign.
He said, "We are keen to conclude things as quickly as possible, whilst being mindful of the need to make the right appointment", seemingly asking Sunderland fans to remain patient, particularly after the protracted exit of Sam Allardyce last season hamstrung Moyes' first team preparation.
Reports suggest Bain and Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne have met to thrash out a potential compensation deal for the highly regarded Dons gaffer. The relegated side are £110million in debt, but are allegedly willing to pay any necessary fees to Aberdeen in order to land their top choice.
Should he return south from relative triumph in Scotland, who could McInnes bring in over the summer months? The exit of several high profile players in the last week (with more likely to follow) leaves Sunderland in a transitional phase, but with that drama comes potential opportunity.
The revolving door policy at the club since Martin O'Neill's 2013 exit has robbed virtually every manager of gaining a significant foothold with a squad of their own, but McInnes may be the first new manager in years to build a fresh squad from the ground up as Sunderland look to return to the Premier League at the earliest juncture.
10. Graeme Shinnie
The highly touted left back has been a key part of Derek McInnes' Aberdeen legacy, making 73 appearances for 'The Dons' since signing for the club in January 2015.
Voted into the top three for Aberdeen's Supporters' Player of the Year, he was labelled 'The People's Captain' ahead of leading the team out for their Scottish Cup Final defeat against League rivals Celtic.
At only 25, he has far more experience than his eight years in the game belie, lifting the Cup once already as captain of Inverness Caledonian Thistle during their 2015/16 campaign.
Shinnie and McInnes waxed lyrical about one another when the defender signed a new contract to stay with the club until 2019, having repeatedly caught the eye of other English sides before and after his switch to Pittodrie.
Sunderland need to strengthen in all areas following the first of several player clear-outs last week, and a trusted aide in the Scottish International may be vital for McInnes as he prepares to tackle a brand new dressing room.