Jack Ross keen to avoid any Sunderland exits next month amid Tom Flanagan speculation

There has been much discussion over the future of the higher earners in Ross's squad, with the club's hierarchy admitting that wages needed to come down before further significant investment can be made.

But with the likes of Lee Cattemole and Aiden McGeady turning in some impressive performances, keeping the squad together could be the goal for the winter window.

Tom Flanagan became the latest player to be linked with Championship clubs this week, with Swansea City said to be tracking his performances.

The centre-back has built an effective partnership with Jack Baldwin and Ross would be loathe to break that up.

January exits remain a possibility, but Ross would clearly view a quiet month as a major success.

“With all the players, and even the stuff with Josh earlier in the season, when you’re doing well and the squad is in a good place, you don’t want to disrupt that in any way,” he said.

“I would be reluctant to lose anyone in my squad at the moment, because they’ve all played their part this season, all had game time and all contributed in different ways.

“The speculation just goes with the territory when you’re doing well so it’s no bad thing.

“You always plans and prepare because you just don’t know what could happen, with injuries or an offer for a player that is just too good to turn down.

“I don’t really want to do to much.

“I’ve mentioned Charlie and Duncan, who will freshen things up but also understand how we work.

“I don’t want to do too much, if anything. “