Wolves eye double Sunderland transfer swoop amid 'groundwork' claim

Wolves have shown an interest in signing two Sunderland regulars ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ahead of Sunderland's playoff clash with Coventry, everyone on Wearside will be aware of the need to achieve promotion if they are to retain the services of several key players this summer.

A whole host of players have already been linked with a move away from Sunderland, and the likelihood is that more will follow if the Black Cats miss out on a return to the Premier League.

With that in mind, Wolves are the latest side to have shown an interest in two players on Wearside, and both are crucial to the current side.

Trai Hume one of two players wanted by Wolves

Trai Hume has been crucial to Sunderland's promotion push this season, having been named as the club's Player of the Season earlier in the month.

His form and regular availability have proved invaluable to the Black Cats, but according to a report from Molineux News (6 May), he is being courted by Wolves ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, he isn't the only one, with Dennis Cirkin also of interest, with Rayan Ait-Nouri potentially on the move in the coming months.

The report adds that "groundwork is being done" on the duo, with the severity of the interest still unknown.

Sunderland will be aware of the danger that awaits them if they fail to get promoted, and that will only grow as the summer approaches.

Sunderland cannot afford to lose Hume this summer

Sunderland's transfer strategy at the Stadium of Light has often been questioned, but the deal to bring Hume to the North-East for a six-figure sum was incredible business.

The temptation to cash in for a huge profit will be there in the summer, regardless of division, but if the Mackems have serious ambition, they can't afford to let him leave.

Both offensively and defensively, Hume has been paramount to their season, and his exit would leave a huge hole in the squad.