Sunderland are looking to strengthen in two or three positions, and are also determined to try and resist any interest from the top tier in their best young talent. So what have been the key stories of the window so far, and what should fans expect to happen in each and every case?
Here, we rate the key rumours so far...
5. ANDREY SANTOS (LOAN - CHELSEA)
Sunderland have also been linked with Aston Villa's Lamare Bogarde, suggesting that midfield depth is on their agenda for this month. Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Santos will spend much of January on international duty with Brazil U19s, before a decision is made on his short-term future at the end of the month. Rumour rated: 6/10 Photo: Adam Hunger
6. AMAD (MANCHESTER UNITED - LOAN)
It's the dream deal for just about everyone associated with Sunderland, from fans to staff and players alike. Amad was a talisman last season and would add so much to the current side, both in terms of goals and ability to quicken up a faltering attack. Sunderland actually tried to bring him back in the summer, reasoning that they could help get him up to speed after a pre-season injury and leave Manchester United in a strong position for the January window. That ultimately didn't happen, but they would undoubtedly be interested if he were to be made available again. That remains unclear at this stage, with illness keeping him out of the last couple of squads. The player himself would no doubt relish the chance to return to Sunderland if United sanction a Championship switch, but there may well be top level interest. Rumour rated: 7/10 Photo: Ian Horrocks
7. BOGDAN MYKHAYLICHENKO - FREE TRANSFER
The Ukranian left back is rumoured to be on the brink of leaving Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, and so could be available as a free agent. Short to medium-term cover in the full back positions would certainly work for Sunderland. Generally they are very happy with their four full back options and believe they have bright futures at the club, but Niall Huggins will not play again this year and Dennis Cirkin is facing a battle to feature again before the end of the campaign.
While at the moment Beale feels he has the options to get by, with switching to a back three a very viable option, he and the club are acutely aware that they are one injury away from having a major issue. Mykhaylichenko is a former team mate of current Sunderland striker Nazariy Rusyn. It's not a priority position for Sunderland, but definitely one where they could ultimately make a move this window. Rumour rated: 7/10 Photo: JANEK SKARZYNSKI
8. JEWISON BENNETTE (LOAN)
Reports late last year from Costa Rica suggested that Bennette was keen on a loan move for more regular game time and it's certainly a conversation that has happened behind the scenes. Sunderland are open to it but Beale has made clear that with injuries in forward areas and reinforcements not yet arriving, he can't sanction it just yet. The club are also keen to ensure that any loan move will help Bennette progress, and so the style of play and environment is crucial. Rumour rated: 9/10 Photo: FRANK REID