Head coach Lee Johnson is looking to add another striker to his squad and is also in the market for another attacking midfielder.
There is also a lack of options in centre midfield and cover at right-back due to long-term injury setbacks.
Johnson has said the club don’t have to sell players this month, yet the Black Cats are keen for their younger players to go out on loan to gain more game time.
Here are some of the deals which could happen between now and the end of the transfer window:
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Johnson has said the club don’t have to sell players this month, yet the Black Cats are keen for their younger players to go out on loan to gain more game time.
5. Ali Koiki (Northampton) - Potential in
If Sunderland do allow Hume to leave they would need cover at left-back. Koiki's name has been mentioned a couple of times while Sheffield Wednesday and Championship club Preston have also been linked with the Northampton defender.
Photo: Getty Images
6. Benji Kimpioka - Potential out
Following a loan spell at Southend earlier this season, the Swedish striker returned to Sunderland and scored during December's 5-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. The Black Cats are keen for their younger players to go out and get more game time, though, so another loan move may be on the cards for Kimpioka.
Photo: JPI Media
7. Cameron Archer (Aston Villa) - Potential in
If Sunderland don't sign Defoe, it's likely they will look to sign a Premier League striker on loan. Pacy Aston Villa frontman Archer appears to fit the profile of what they would be looking for, yet Championship club Preston now appear to be leading the chase to sign him. Sunderland will have other striker targets we are yet to hear about.
Photo: Getty Images
8. Jack Diamond - Potential out
Sunderland recalled Diamond, Josh Hawkes and Anthony Patterson to play the game at Wycombe earlier this month. Hawkes and Patterson are expected to be sent back out on loan to Tranmere and Notts County respectively, while Harrogate will also hope to get Diamond back until the end of the season. The Black Cats will want to strengthen before allowing that to happen, though.
Photo: JPI Media