Régis Le Bris issues early January transfer update and sets out Sunderland's strategy
Sunderland are hoping to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland still hope to strengthen ‘two or three’ spots in the squad but doesn’t anticipate any early business in the January transfer window.
The Black Cats want to build on an outstanding first half of the season by improving the squad further, but are eager not to upset the balance and spirit of the dressing room. Le Bris says the club are working hard behind the scenes to identify and assess targets but added that they will only move if the right target becomes available.
He again, as he has done in recent weeks, stressed that the club would not rush.
“I don't think we'll rush this process, because we are in a good place, I think, and it's really important to find the right player to fit with our system, so it's always a question of different elements, because you have the player, you have the club, you have us, and so it's not an easy task, we'll see,” Le Bris said.
“When we say two or three spots in the squad, that means that our focus is orientated on these positions. But we don't know if we will find the right targets. So you know that maybe you can reinforce this part of the squad, this part, this part. At the end, maybe we will have zero, or one, or two, or three. We don't know, because it's connected as well with the outgoing players. So we'll see.”
Le Bris wouldn’t be drawn on which positions specifically the club were targeting, and added that the unique demands of the winter window meant being flexible as a club is key.
“Not yet, because this market is a bit different,” Le Bris said.
“In the summer I think the market is really open, because the competition is high. During the winter it's a bit different, because some of the players who had less game time would like to move, but it means that they were not in good form.So is it obvious that they will connect quickly with us? We don't know. And you can face competition as well with clubs who struggle. So we'll see. It's more opportunistic, rather than something, I won't say rational, because it's not the case during the summer, but it's more organised.”
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Régis Le Bris issues Dan Ballard update
Dan Ballard has not suffered a serious ankle injury but Regis Le Bris has confirmed that the defender will miss the New Year’s Day clash with Manchester City.
Ballard suffered the injury in the latter stages of the 0-0 draw with Brighton, and was a notable absentee as Sunderland drew 1-1 with Leeds United. The Northern Ireland international underwent a second scan on Monday to assess the extent of the damage and that confirmed there is no significant damage.
The 26-year-old could return to face Spurs on Sunday.
“Yeah, he's getting better, but he won't be available for the game tomorrow,” Le Bris said.
“We hope for the next fixture, so we'll see, but it's not serious.”
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