Sunderland back in for pre-season testing as Alex Neil's summer plans take shape

Sunderland players were in a jovial mood as they returned for pre-season testing ahead of life back in the Championship. The club's official account posted footage of a number of senior players returning to the Academy of Light with Alex Neil greeting them at the door.

The smiles on their faces may not last long as the Black Cats boss gets ready to put his side through their paces ahead of next season. The Wearsiders are by no means the smallest side in the division, but their squad is no where near the quality or boasting the depth that others are able to.

The departures of Aiden McGeady, Will Grigg, Jordan Willis, Lee Burge and Arbenit Xhemajli will free up some wages for the Black Cats to work with, but as of yet, there's been very little movement on the transfer front. Sunderland are hopeful that Jack Clarke and Nathan Broadhead will return to the club after impressing on loan last year.

The duo returned to their respective clubs after winning the play-off final, with Broadhead earning a call-up to the Wales senior squad only for injury to force him to withdraw. The Black Cats have been linked with a move for AFC Wimbeldon's Jack Rudoni, but their best bit of business this summer will undoubtedly be securing the long term future of Ross Stewart.

The Scot was handed his international debut by Steve Clarke at the beginning of the month and is hopeful it'll be the first of many. His fine performances last season attracted the interest of Championship clubs; Middlesbrough, QPR and Sheffield United, but it's Europa League finalists Rangers who are currently in pole position.

Their standing in Scottish football and last season's European exploits put Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side at the front of the chasing pack, but