Three players who could join Sunderland on deadline day

With Sam Allardyce's men second-bottom and four points from safety, it is imperative they get everything they can out of the transfer market.

Sunderland are mainly focusing on the loan market ahead of the 11pm deadline, and a number of players have been linked.

Here, we look at three men who could make the switch to Wearside today...

Micah Richards

Richards has emerged as a potential target over recent hours, but it would be a surprise if Aston Villa were willing to sell their captain to a relegation rival.

The defender would bring undoubted experience to Wearside were he to join Sunderland, and also add depth in the centre of defence and at right-back.

Still just 27, Richards should still have plenty of good years left in him, despite his and Villa's struggles this season.

According to the Daily Mail, Villa are not currently willing to do business over Richards, but Sunderland are 'ready to move if they are given any encouragement'.

Mathieu Debuchy

Former Newcastle United right-back Debuchy has been consistently linked with a loan switch to the Stadium of Light this month.

He would add quality at right-back for Allardyce's side as he looks to break back into the France squad ahead of this summer's European Championships on home soil.

Out of favour at Arsenal, it is thought Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would be willing to allow his compatriot to leave.

Sunderland could face competition from the likes of Aston Villa on deadline day, though, as they look to push through a deal.

Bafetimbi Gomis

Gomis is a name which has been circling all month, with several Premier League clubs linked with a move for the Swansea City striker.

However, Sunderland had not been one of those most strongly linked with him, until today.

The Daily Mail has reported that the Black Cats are looking to do a loan deal for the Frenchman.

However, the newspaper also claims Swansea are pushing for a permanent deal, so this could be another one to go to the wire.