Black Cats bosses are hard at work to prepare for life in the Premier League

SUNDERLAND are still working hard behind the scenes for what is a huge summer transfer window at the Stadium of Light ahead of their return to the Premier League.

- By MATTY HEWITT

The Black Cats won promotion back to the top flight with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United, ending their eight-year absence from English football's top table. Regis Le Bris did a brilliant job in steering the Wearsiders to promotion and his pragmatism should stand the club in good stead moving forward.

However, all those involved with the club know they need major investment if they want to avoid relegation back to the second tier.

No club that has won promotion in the last two seasons has been able to avoid the drop the following year.

The Journal has taken a look at Sunderland's immediate summer transfer plans and long-term ambitions.

Sunderland set for shrewd transfer appointment

Sunderland are closing in on the appointment of former RC Lens and AS Roma sporting director Florent Ghisolfi for the role of director of football, working alongside current sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.

The French transfer chief is highly regarded for his work in his home country and is someone Le Bris knows well from their time together at Lorient.

Ghisolfi was wanted by a number of European and Saudi Arabian clubs, but the Wearsiders look to have won the race for his signature.

Though yet to be confirmed, if the club are able to get the deal over the line, it'll be a shrewd appointment having unearthed a number of gems throughout his short sporting director career.

Sunderland know they won't have the finances to compete with the Premier League's established clubs and will have to unearth a number of hidden gems which they've done so well since Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' took over the club.