Former Sunderland captain Gary Bennett believes their prospects of signing permanently Manchester United defender Jonny Evans are improving.
"Since he's come back to Sunderland he's experienced going out and testing himself against the big teams and top players, and he'll want to do it week-in, week-out.
"If United can win the Premier League, which they probably will, and Champions League this season, the task is likely to be even tougher for Jonny next season.
"But he'd walk into Sunderland's team, and quite a few others in the Premier League."