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Transfer links 'inevitable' but Sunderland 'hold upper hand'
TL;DR
Sunderland's key players are likely to attract transfer interest this summer, but the club maintains leverage due to their long-term contracts. Striker Brian Brobbey and goalkeeper Robin Roefs are among those linked to other clubs, including Bayern Munich.
It is "inevitable" that some of Sunderland's star players will be linked with other clubs this summer but the Black Cats "hold the upper hand" when it comes to their futures at the Stadium of Light, says BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes.
Striker Brian Brobbey was linked with German giants Bayern Munich earlier this week, while goalkeeper Robin Roefs is another player whose impressive performances this term have led to transfer speculation.
"All these players signed five-year deals so the club hold the upper hand in terms of not having to sell," said Barnes. "Brobbey doesn't have to go anywhere and nor does Robin Roefs if they decide they don't want anybody to leave.
"They do have that strength in giving those long deals and it underlines just how good of a job they did recruitment-wise. The only thing you can argue is that if a player becomes aware of interest from abroad, does it unsettle them?
"In theory, Sunderland hold the upper hand because those players signed long-term deals and if - and it's a big if - Sunderland were to reach Europe as well this season, that's another incentive for them not to leave.
"There are lots of ifs and buts and obviously lots of speculation and rumours."
Listen to the full discussion above or on BBC Sounds here
Q&A
Which Sunderland players are attracting transfer interest this summer?
Striker Brian Brobbey and goalkeeper Robin Roefs are currently linked with interest from other clubs, including Bayern Munich.
How do Sunderland's player contracts affect potential transfers?
Sunderland holds the upper hand in transfer negotiations because most players, including Brobbey and Roefs, signed five-year deals, allowing the club to decide whether to sell.
What impact could transfer speculation have on Sunderland players?
Transfer speculation could potentially unsettle players if they become aware of interest from abroad, despite the club's strong position with long-term contracts.
