Sunderland are likely to sanction a number of departures from their squad this month

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland will hold talks with a number of players next week to determine whether a January departure, whether on loan or in a permanent deal, is the right course of action.

Sunderland are hoping to strengthen their squad this month though after a busy summer recruitment drive, only a very small number of additions are expected. It is expected to be far busier in terms of outgoings, with full back Timothée Pembélé joining Le Havre on loan earlier this week. Pembélé was one of a handful of players not part of the squad this season who are free to depart, but those who have been part of Le Bris's plans but not had much game time are still waiting for a final decision to be made.

With Sunderland's AFCON contingent set to be begin returning over the course of the next week and the fixture schedule returning to normality, decisions can then be made on additional outgoings.

“After Everton, we will have a period where we can have different conversations with the players," Le Bris said.

"So far, it was probably not the best period to have those chats. For the players with less game time, they want to play. This is the normal life of a footballer. We will see what is possible.

“We will have conversations with everyone who has been having less game time," Le Bris added.

"It’s always really open. Everything has to be discussed because, at the end of the transfer window, it is better to avoid frustrations. The conversations will take place, and then after that, we will decide."

One of those players who has struggled for significant game time this season is Luke O'Nien, who has been a regular in the matchday squad since returning from a shoulder injury but made just two appearances in the Premier League. There has been some speculation about a move to the Championship this month but no decision has been made at this stage and Le Bris says the club are mindful that the experienced defender remains a major figure behind the scenes at the club.

“We have to think about everything with him [O’Nien]," Le Bris said.

"It is not only about game time, it is about the work that goes on behind the scenes and everything else that is important there. It is a tough balance. Sometimes, a player can have an ambition on one side of wanting to play, but then on the other side we might know how important they can be in the dressing room. That will be part of the discussion, definitely."

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Régis Le Bris issues update on incoming transfers at Sunderland

“There is nothing at the minute,” Le Bris said.

“The period is a really interesting one. It’s tough, and even with a number of absentees, the level of the squad remains really consistent, which is really positive. That shows the depth of the squad and the versatility of three or four of our players, which is really useful for game management. If we can improve and reinforce the squad, we will try to do that. But what we have learned will also be important for the next transfer window.”

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