Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray has said the club are prepared to add more experience to the squad if they feel it is necessary, while their recent model has been focused on investing in young talent.
One of the main priorities for Sunderland will be to strengthen their striker options, while the club were also trying to sign another holding midfielder in the summer.
We asked fans on our social media platforms to name a realistic signing they think Sunderland could make in January.
Here are some of the names which were mentioned:
5. Ben Whiteman (Preston)
Sunderland do lack depth in the holding midfield position should captain Corry Evans become unavailable. Whiteman, 26, has been a key player for Preston since joining the club from Doncaster nearly two years ago, racking up 86 Championship appearances for North End. Photo: Getty Images
6. Nathan Broadhead (Everton)
Some fans would prefer to move on from Broadhead after Sunderland tried to sign him in the summer. Yet other supporters have pointed out the Everton loanee, 24, has only started eight league games for Wigan this season. Photo: Clive Brunskill
7. Danny McNamara (Millwall)
While Sunderland eventually won the game 3-0, Millwall right-back McNamara managed to keep Jack Clarke relatively quiet. The 23-year-old defender has less than a year left on his contract at The Den. Photo: Justin Setterfield
8. Elijah Adebayo (Luton)
Another Luton striker who was a handful during October’s meeting with Sunderland. Adebayo, 24, only has three league goals this season but netted 16 to help The Hatters reach the play-offs last season. Photo: Justin Setterfield