With the January transfer window well underway, and with rumours and speculation flying around all over the place, the next weeks promise to be intriguing for Sunderland and their supporters.
But while most of the attention will be trained on possible incoming signings at the Stadium of Light, there are also a number of unanswered questions over the future of several members of Regis Le Bris’ squad. While some are fringe players who could likely use a change of scene to kick start their careers, others are key figures who the Black Cats will be desperate to keep around.
With that in mind, who is likely to leave, and who should be sticking around for a while longer? We’ve taken a closer look at Sunderland’s squad below...

9. Chris Rigg - Should Stay
Talk of a potential exit for Rigg has seemingly quietened in recent weeks. Yes, there are still a number of heavy hitting clubs interested in him, and yes, you suspect that come the summer transfer window speculation will roar up once again, but for now, it is looking as if he will remain a Sunderland player. | Chris Rigg vs Norwich City. Photo by Chris Fryatt.

10. Anthony Patterson - Should Stay
Premier League clubs are said to be queuing up for Patterson, with the likes of Wolves, Tottenham, and Manchester United all touted as admirers, but the simple fact of the matter is that his contract runs until 2028, and that Sunderland are unlikely to sanction their first choice goalkeeper’s departure partway through the season without an obvious successor lined up. Patterson himself has hinted that he wants to see out the club's promotion push, and at the very least, Spurs' move for Antonin Kinsky should put pay their advances for the time being. | Frank Reid

11. Trey Ogunsuyi - Should stay
The teenage striker made his debut for Sunderland with a cameo appearance against Stoke City at the weekend, and despite interest from Liverpool, the Black Cats are intent on keeping him this month. | Frank Reid

12. Dan Ballard - Should Stay
And finally, Ballard is another Sunderland star who had been loosely touted for an exit, but who has seemingly fallen out of the gossip columns in recent weeks. Things can always change, but again, at this stage, he feels as if he will be staying put. | Dan Ballard vs Norwich City. Photo by Chris Fryatt.