'If the phone rings' - Tony Mowbray discusses potential Sunderland player exits

Tony Mowbray hasn't ruled out the possibility of more player departures at Sunderland this summer.

Sunderland have seen the likes of Bailey Wright, Leon Dajaku, and Carl Winchester seal permanent exits this summer, with Isaac Lihadji looking like the next potential departure.

Jack Clarke has been linked with a move away but Sunderland Nation exclusively revealed yesterday that Clarke has been told he's not leaving the Stadium of Light this summer.

Elsewhere, Ross Stewart has his suitors, whilst Dan Neil is another who could be on Premier League radars.

And speaking to Chronicle Live, Mowbray has revealed that the club could be forced into selling some key assets should suitable offers come in.

He said:

"If the phone rings and it's right for the club and we feel pretty strong in one position but we're a bit empty in another, we might feel it's the right thing to move him out and use that salary or to sell him and use the money to fill this one. That's what football clubs have to do and footballers understand that."

Mowbray added:

"Let's see how the next few weeks rolls by before the window shuts at the end of August. But I'd be pretty sure there'll be some movement around our squad in the next few weeks."

Sunderland take on Ipswich Town in their opening fixture of the 2023/24 season on Sunday, so expect all focus to be on that game.

But those behind the scenes will be keeping an eye on the market and on potential departures, with clubs in the Championship always having to sell - like Mowbray points out.

Sunderland though have stood firm on their stance on Clarke and so what that might mean for their other in demand players remains to be seen.

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