The list of impressive Sunderland signings has significantly stalled of late.

The Wearsiders have had no trouble splashing the cash during their latest stint in the Premier League, it’s just been with limited success. The number of top quality players recruited has been significantly less than similar sides to have spent several consecutive years in the top flight. Even Newcastle - the notorious supposed penny pinchers - spent more than twice what the Black Cats did last summer.

Despite this, the Black Cats’ use of the loan market has often proved far more productive. For several seasons, Sunderland managers have relied on temporary stars to act as key components in teams often devoid of quality. The only problem to often emerge has been the reluctance of successful players to sign on permanently at Sunderland.

The following list looks to recount the most successful loan players to have spent time at the Stadium of Light in the last few years.

Recalling the quality of bygone players who commonly rejected a permanent move may prove slightly painful for Sunderland fans, yet there’s solace to be taken from the fact that these players often contributed more to Sunderland than SAFC’s own, permanent playing staff.

However, it perhaps speaks volumes about Sunderland’s lack of progression that none of the following players were signed on permanently. Nonetheless, their contributions deserve recognition. Here goes...