Sunderland boss confident of January support after midfielder's future is finally resolved

Jack Ross is confident that he will be backed in January, 'within reason'.
Jack Ross believes he will be able to strengthen in the January windowJack Ross believes he will be able to strengthen in the January window
Jack Ross believes he will be able to strengthen in the January window

The Black Cats boss had hoped to make one final addition in the closing stages of the summer window but the club's significant wage bill meant it was not possible.

Since then, an agreement has been reached on the terms of Didier Ndong's departure from the club.

Jack Ross believes he will be able to strengthen in the January windowJack Ross believes he will be able to strengthen in the January window
Jack Ross believes he will be able to strengthen in the January window
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Chairman Stewart Donald has spoken candidly of the need to manage Sunderland's wage commitments, particularly with Lee Cattermole and Bryan Oviedo staying at the club.

Cattermole has gone on to make himself a vital part of Ross' team, earning praise from all quarters.

So while finances are an ongoing concern, Ross believes Donald will provide some support.

He again stressed the need not to recruit too extensively, a regular theme in the closing weeks of the summer.

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The next steps for Sunderland and Didier Ndong explained
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"There were good reasons for doing that with all the things that were going on and the position the club found itself in.

"It's obvious that with Didier leaving, it's beneficial for us, it just helps with the overall business model.

"Regardless of that, I think Stewart would have been supportive of anything I'd have asked for in January. He knows I've always been balanced in what I've requested as well.

"I know that if we want to strengthen we'll be able to do so, within reason obviously. I don't see us being hamstrung.

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"We need to make sure we don't become too heavy in [terms of] numbers but so far I think we've done that OK," he added.

"That's again, you can't predict what will happen between now and January. But to counter that, Charlie Wyke will be coming back around that time, and Duncan Watmore will be available before then.

"It will be dependent on what happens between now and then."

Ndong is free to find a new club, after agreeing to compensate the Black Cats when that happens.

He cannot be registered to play until January, however.