Steven Fletcher expects his Sunderland future to be resolved; Sunderland's Steven Fletcher says Dick Advocaat's appointment should help speed up a decision on his own future with the Black Cats.
Byline: James Hunter
Steven Fletcher is waiting to find out whether his future lies with Sunderland or elsewhere now Dick Advocaat's appointment has been confirmed.
The Scotland striker is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract on Wearside and the Black Cats must decide whether to cash in on him this summer or risk losing him for nothing next summer on a Bosman free transfer.
No talks have yet been held over a new deal for the 26-year-old, who has scored only eight goals in the last two years for the club.
However, it is hardly surprising the Black Cats waited until they had a head coach in place before making a decision over Fletcher.
However, with Advocaat accepting the role last week, the time has come for the Dutchman and sporting director Lee Congerton to begin shaping the squad ready for next season.
Fletcher hopes his future will soon be decided.
The frontman, who is on international duty ahead of Scotland's vital Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Friday, said: "I don't know what is going to happen.
"It has been a while since I have been able to have a summer without coming back from injury.
"It is good to be playing in internationals.
"It will be up to the manager to decide whether he wants to keep me or not. We will wait and see."
Fletcher is just one of a number of players who could be heading for the exit this summer as Congerton and Advocaat look to revamp the squad to avoid a repeat of the relegation battles which have dogged the club for the last three season.
Having been displaced as first-choice goalkeeper, Vito Mannone may move on in search of first-team football while Liam Bridcutt is another who may not fit into Advocaat's plans.
Players such as Valentin Roberge, Charis Mavrias and El-Hadji Ba - all of whom joined under the Roberto De Fanti/Paolo Di Canio regime and spent last season out on loan - will also be offloaded if Sunderland can find any takers.
Even more important than those departing, however, will be the search for new signings.
Advocaat said towards the end of last season Sunderland needed 'four, five or six' quality additions to bring the squad up to scratch - and said he would not stay on as head coach unless he was given guarantees there would be money available to bring in reinforcements.
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