3 Sunderland players who could stay in the Premier League next season

Sunderland has been relegated from the Premier League after 10 consecutive seasons in the top flight.

A 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday didn't just sink the Black Cats to the English Championship; it could also prove the final bow for a few players, who might leave the Stadium of Light for another Premier League club.

Here are three players who could be abandoning ship this summer:

Jermain Defoe

Fourteen goals and two assists spell the story of Sunderland's bright spot, and for Jermain Defoe, the Championship is about as enticing as a second go in Major League Soccer. In fact, the 34-year-old made it pretty clear his heart was set on Premier League football as he departed Toronto FC, and he'll have no trouble finding suitors after another impressive goal-scoring haul this year.

A return to Tottenham is unlikely, Harry Redknapp is tied up at Birmingham, and a top-six outfit is a stretch, but Defoe would have no problem fitting into any Premier League side from the mid-table down. Rumour is Defoe also has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free in the case of Sunderland's relegation, making him a cheap pickup, too.

Possible destinations: Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham

Wahbi Khazri

Tunisia international Wahbi Khazri was just what the doctor ordered when Sam Allardyce came in and saved the club from relegation last season, as his addition gave the Black Cats some much-needed attacking verve.

But this year under David Moyes, Khazri has been reduced to a bench role, earning just seven starts and coming on as a substitute for a handful of minutes at a time.

His sudden downfall is unbecoming of the skill he displayed, which other Premier League outfits have surely taken note of. A move to another club wouldn't just be fitting for Khazri's talents, but would also act as a much-needed second chance for him to shine, even if it is as a bench option.

Possible destinations: West Brom, Southampton, Newcastle

Jordan Pickford

If there's a given exit this summer, it's Jordan Pickford. Simply put, the 23-year-old Englishman is too good to be playing in the Championship. His age, nationality, and ability make him a huge target for a number of Premier League sides looking to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.

Pickford is the one Sunderland talent who could be plucked by one of the top flight's best clubs - a move to Manchester United, Manchester City, or Arsenal isn't completely unreasonable, for a few reasons.

United could lose David De Gea to Real Madrid this summer; City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has been suspect, and Willy Caballero certainly isn't the long-term answer; Arsenal's Petr Cech and back-up David Ospina haven't been entirely convincing, either.

Pickford could figure his way into a starting role at any of these clubs, with Everton also reportedly keeping tabs on the young star 'keeper.

Possible destinations: Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)