CHRIS MAGUIRE will remain a Sunderland player next season after both parties agreed to the triggering of a clause extending the forward’s contract by another 12 months.

The Black Cats have also confirmed the retention of Luke O’Nien, whose contract contained a similar clause, and Josh Scowen, who initially joined from QPR in January.

Youngsters Anthony Patterson and Elliot Embleton also feature on the club’s retained list, but Sunderland are waiting for a response from Jon McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan and Benji Kimpioka, with the trio all having been offered a new deal on Wearside.

Confirmation of Maguire’s retention is a welcome boost, with the forward having been a key performer under both Jack Ross and Phil Parkinson.

Maguire scored 11 goals in all competitions last season, and featured in all bar one of Sunderland’s league games. He is one of three strikers in the retained squad, with Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg also still on the Black Cats’ books. Aiden McGeady, who is currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, remains a Sunderland player as things stand, but is all-but-certain to head elsewhere permanently before the start of next season.

McLaughlin’s future continues to be uncertain, with Rangers having joined Blackburn Rovers in expressing an interest in securing his services this summer. With his contract due to come to an end next week, the goalkeeper can speak to prospective employers as he ponders whether to sign the contract he was offered by Sunderland officials last week.

Kimpioka is one of three Under-23 players deciding whether to remain with the Black Cats, with Brandon Taylor and Jordan Hunter also having been offered new deals.

Bailey Wright has returned to his parent club, Bristol City, following the end of his loan, but with his deal at Ashton Gate set to expire, the defender could yet return to Sunderland next season.