Sunderland confirm departures, but what next for those leaving the club this month?

The axe formally came down on the careers of several Sunderland players yesterday with the release of the club's retained list.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jun 2016, 14:05 BST
Updated 13th Jun 2016, 11:24 BST
Ola ToivonenOla Toivonen
Ola Toivonen

But what will be the next move for those leaving Sunderland, either at the end of their contracts or after their loan spells have reached a conclusion?

OUT-OF-CONTRACT

Wes Brown

The 36-year-old confirmed earlier this season that he wouldn't retire if Sunderland decided to release him at the end of his contract. A lower league return to his native North West looks a possibility, as does the MLS.

Danny Graham

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Celtic and Blackburn - where Graham spent the second half of last season on loan - have already emerged as suitors for the ex-Swansea man. He's proven at Championship level and will have no trouble finding another club.

Steven Fletcher

Marseille would have made their move for Fletcher by now, if they were keen to keep the Scot on a permanent basis. But like Graham, there will be no shortage of suitors for the free agent striker - long-time admirers Celtic are likely to be among them.

Steve Harper

Playing-wise, there won't be a role for Harper at Sunderland, but there could still be a position on Sam Allardyce's backroom staff available. The ex-Newcastle keeper was regularly Allardyce's eyes from the stands at away games last season.

END OF LOAN

Yann M'Vila

Both M'Vila and Allardyce have made it clear that they want to see the French midfielder back at Sunderland next season. It won't be straightforward though, with another six months to run on the 25-year-old's contract at Ruben Kazan.

DeAndre Yedlin

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The Spurs full-back could return to Sunderland, but there is a sense that the terms would have to be right for the Black Cats to make their move. Yedlin did show dramatic improvement in the second half of the season though.

Ola Toivonen

Not wanted by Sunderland and not wanted by parent club Rennes either, who are keen to remove him from the wage bill. A return to his native Sweden could be an option for the midfielder.

Dame N'Doye

Didn't do enough to justify a permanent move to Sunderland, yet parent club Trabzonspor are keen to offload him to fund other signings.

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