Sunderland manager David Moyes has confirmed he will remain in the job for their campaign in the Championship next season, but star striker Jermain Defoe could leave following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
Moyes was unable to guide perennial strugglers Sunderland to another season of top-flight safety after his first year in charge at the Stadium of Light, with their drop down a division confirmed with last week's 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth.
However, Moyes told his prematch news conference ahead of the trip to Hull City, who are still battling relegation, that talks with Sunderland CEO Martin Bain and chairman Ellis Short had reached a positive outcome.
"I met with Martin and Ellis this week and we had initial discussions about how we move forward," he said. "We will meet again in a few weeks.
"I know what needs to be done to get back in the Premier League and I know what the requirements are to do that."
The future of Defoe, however, is less certain. Sources have told ESPN FC that Bournemouth are one of a number of top-flight clubs looking to sign the 34-year-old, who has scored 14 Premier League goals this season.
Moyes revealed that the England international could move in the summer, but young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford would not be so easy to prise away.
"Jermain Defoe has a clause in his contract so it's possible [that he will leave in the summer]," Moyes said. "Jordan Pickford is under contract."