EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland looking to move on experienced trio as they look to future

Sunderland could be set to reduce the average age of their squad even further this summer, with a number of experienced established players told they can leave, Sunderland Nation understands.

Danny Batth was linked with a move to Blackburn over the weekend, and he is one of the players who have already been told that their current deals will not be renewed in a year's time.

Midfielder Alex Pritchard is understood to be another who could move on, as well as academy product Lynden Gooch.

It is not a case of the club actively trying to force the players out, though. All three made major contributions over the last 18 months and are understandably popular within the squad.

However, with their long-term futures already decided by the club, Sunderland will not stand in anyone's way should they be able to get greater security elsewhere this summer.

Batth was a star performer for Sunderland last season, winning the club's player of the year award for a stunningly consistent campaign.

Centre backs Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt have already arrived this summer, though, and the club are also keen to develop Aji Alese as a centre-back option too.

Pritchard, meanwhile, will see his position in midfield come under serious threat from Jobe Bellingham and a fit-again Elliot Embleton, while Trai Hume and Niall Huggins are seen as far better long-term bets than Lynden Gooch at right back.

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