SUNDERLAND have been monitoring Gent forward Moses Simon as they look to put plans in place for the aftermath of a successful survival push.

While the Black Cats remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table in the wake of last weekend’s resounding home defeat to Southampton, the club are preparing transfer targets for the eventuality of a strong finish to the season that would enable them to spend next season in the top-flight.

Chief executive Martin Bain is also working on budgets that would reflect the changed reality in the event of relegation, but the club’s scouting team continue to run the rule over targets that would only be applicable if Sunderland retain their top-flight status.

Simon falls into that category, and Sunderland sent a senior scouting delegation to Gent on Thursday to watch the Jupiler League side record a 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the Europa League.

A 21-year-old Nigerian, Simon has been on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs for the last 12 months, and the likes of Manchester United, Leicester and West Brom were also represented at this week’s game.

Having started his career with Slovakian side AS Trencin, Simon joined Gent for around €1m in January 2015, and has subsequently developed into one of the most highly-rated players in the Belgian league.

The attacking midfielder helped Gent win the Belgian title in 2015, but is expected to leave the Ghelamco Arena in the summer despite recently having signed a new deal to 2019.

Provided he keeps Sunderland in the Premier League this season, David Moyes will prioritise the improvement of his side’s attack, and his main targets will reflect his desire to bring down the average age of his squad.

Sunderland’s players fly back from their four-day break in New York this evening, and will return to full training at the start of next week to step up their preparations for next weekend’s trip to Everton.

Everton are currently on a break of their own in Dubai, and Ronald Koeman expects injured duo James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas to be available for the game against the Black Cats.

Sunderland’s preparations for the trip to Goodison Park will begin with an open training session at the Stadium of Light on Monday.

Entry to the training day is free for all fans, with the session due to start at 1pm. Access to the Stadium of Light is available from midday, and entry will be via exit four, which is located in the West Stand, adjacent to the club store.

There will also be music and entertainment, with face-painting and football-themed activities for younger fans, but anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.