But what do supporters want Parkinson to do? Hundreds of fans voted in our online polls and have delivered a clear verdict on the decisions they want the Black Cats to make.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see the THREE players Sunderland fans want to be released in the summer:
1. Jon McLaughlin
No surprises here, with Sunderland fans overwhelming voting to keep the stopper at the Stadium of Light. Only 7% of supporters thought McLaughlin should be released. VERDICT: RETAIN Photo: FRANK REID 2019
2. Joel Lynch
The centre back has scarcely featured since his injury at Portsmouth in February, but 56% of Sunderland fans feel the experienced head is worthy of a new deal. VERDICT: RETAIN Photo: COPYRIGHT (C) FRANK REID 20187
3. Alim Ozturk
While competition at centre back is rife, Ozturk has been backed to earn a new contract by 54% of Sunderland supporters. VERDICT: RETAIN Photo: FRANK REID 2020
4. Chris Maguire
The King! Popular among fans, and the club's joint top scorer this term, it's perhaps no surprise that 92% of supporters want Maguire to be handed a new contract at the end of the season. VERDICT: RETAIN Photo: FRANK REID