Sunderland have been monitoring Gent forward Moses Simon as they look to put plans in place for the aftermath of a successful survival push.
While the Black Cats remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table in the wake of last weekend’s resounding home defeat to Southampton, the club are preparing transfer targets for the eventuality of a strong finish to the season that would enable them to spend next season in the top-flight.
Chief executive Martin Bain is also working on budgets that would reflect the changed reality in the event of relegation, but the club’s scouting team continue to run the rule over targets that would only be applicable if Sunderland retain their top-flight status.