The January transfer window is now open with Sunderland and their rivals keen to conclude deals during the winter trading period
Heading into the window, several contract priorities have emerged for sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. Sunderland are still negotiating with first-team duo Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin. Both are heading into the last eighteen months of their contract.
Their situations increases the club's vulnerability to top-tier approaches. Were a deal not to be agreed before the next summer window, then Sunderland would find it very difficult to reject any solid offers from the Premier League.
Le Bris has hinted that Adil Aouchiche could yet have a long-term future at Sunderland after the midfielder made his first league start of the campaign at Stoke City.
"Milan [Aleksic] and Adil deserved to play this game because they have been connected in the training sessions and this was their opportunity today," Le Bris said after the Stoke City game.
"It is good to have them and their mindset is positive. They were ready to play and I think that they showed many things, many positive things. It's another experience for them and it's good for us as a team to have them.
"With Adil, I think it is too early to say what will happen in January. A season is full of many experiences. You can start with an idea but with the evolution of the season, you can change your assessment of the situation. It is probably too early to decide and we'll see how we can build this second half of the season."
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If all of the rumours were to come true, how might Sunderland be lining up come January? We’ve taken a close look at Regis Le Bris’ potential starting XI and bench below if the Black Cats hold onto their best players and add reinforcements!
9. RW: Kwame Poku
The Posh winger has been in superb form in League One this season with Sunderland loosely linked with a deal for the attacker, who is into the last year of his current deal. Photo: Getty Images
10. LW: Louie Barry
Sunderland are one of four Championship sides fighting to sign 15-goal winger Louie Barry in January. The Aston Villa youngster was on loan at Stockport County, where he netted 15 goals in League One. That form has prompted speculation that the former Barcelona man will be sent back out on loan to the Championship after being recalled by Villa. | Getty Images
11. ST: Evan Ferguson
Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson continues to be touted for a potential January loan exit, with Sunderland among the clubs mentioned as prospective suitors. It is within this context that several outlets, including The Telegraph, have suggested he could be allowed to depart the Amex Stadium temporarily in the new year. To that end, Sunderland have been name-checked as admirers, as have Leeds United and Celtic. Photo: George Wood
12. Potential sub: Sam Tickle
The 22-year-old Wigan Athletic goalkeeper has been re-linked with Sunderland ahead of the January window and could well be seen as a long-term Anthony Patterson replacement at some point with loanee Matty Young still learning his trade. Photo: Bernard Platt