Now that these individuals’ circumstances are more apparent, Sunderland will probably try to hang onto players like Mepham and Isidor, but it takes.

Given the names on the list, Black Cats supporters will be hopeful that the club can come to an agreement with some of these players as they have impressed this season.

However, there is no guarantee that any of them will remain and if nothing changes between now and the end of the season, then all of them could depart the north-east. FLW takes a look at exactly who will be out of contract and the situation around each player’s contract.

Chris Mepham

Chris Mepham is currently on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, having joined the Black Cats during the summer transfer window. The defender has been an integral part of the Wearsiders’ success and a consistent fixture in Regis Le Bris’ side.

Sunderland supporters will be desperate to hold on to the Welsh international, who has been a Rolls-Royce at centre-back this campaign. Partnering Luke O’Nien or Dan Ballard, he has been a cut above in the Championship.

As it stands, he will return to his parent club in the summer unless a fresh deal can be agreed. Given Mepham’s quality, the Black Cats would likely have to achieve promotion to sanction such a move.

Wilson Isidor

The most likely player on the list to remain after his contract expires is Wilson Isidor. The Frenchman joined on a season-long loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg, but according to the Sunderland Echo, if the club secures promotion, then he will remain on Wearside.

On current evidence, the permanent acquisition of Isidor would be a solid one as the forward has scored a number of crucial goals to assist the club in their fight for promotion.

However, if reports are true and the Black Cats fail to secure promotion, then Isidor will return to Zenit in the summer. Although the striker has impressed, supporters will want to see more consistency between now and the end of the season.

Aaron Connolly

Aaron Connolly is very much playing for his future on Wearside, having joined on a short-term contract at the end of September. Unless anything changes, his time in the north-east will come to an end in the summer.

The forward took a while to settle in to life at the club, making a number of substitute appearances. However, he did bag his first goal for the Black Cats in a 1-1 draw with Millwall at the end of November.

If Connolly is to remain at the Stadium of Light past the summer, then it does feel like he will need to make more of an impact to earn a new deal.

Salis Abdul Samed

Sunderland supporters are yet to see Salis Abdul Samed, who arrived on a season-long loan from RC Lens during the summer. The defensive-midfielder has been sidelined by a long-term injury, which means he has not appeared in four months since his arrival.

The Ghanaian international arrived in high esteem, having boasted an impressive record in France and at international level. However, the longer he goes without making an appearance, the less likely it is he will remain on Wearside.

Although he is expected to stay until the summer, Allez Lens reports that his loan deal could be cut short due to a lack of playing time. Of course, Samed has time to turn things around, but it would be surprising given the current situation.