JOHN OSTER will pledge his future to Sunderland today by signing a new contract at the Stadium of Light, writes PAUL FRASER.

The Welsh winger, who has recently returned from his honeymoon, has agreed to extend his stay on Wearside and indications are that he will sign a two-year contract.

Had West Ham clinched promotion to the Premiership, the Hammers were expected to make an approach for the player.

However, their failure to return to the top-flight has allowed Sunderland to convince Oster to remain with the Black Cats.

Now there is only the future of striker Darren Byfield to be sorted out.

He becomes a free agent today but there is still a chance he could be playing for Sunderland next season.

Manager Mick McCarthy is continuing to monitor the transfer market in an attempt to make sure Sunderland are ready for a promotion battle.

Having missed out on a return to the Premiership, after losing to Crystal Palace in the play-offs, the boss has had to ring the changes.

Eight players, including Jason McAteer and Phil Babb, were released after last season's failings and Sunderland have added five new players to their ranks ahead of the new campaign.

And McCarthy is still keeping an eye on other players and at least one more new face could arrive before the August 7 trip to Coventry City.