Tony Mowbray’s team will face Wigan Athletic on Thursday evening with head of recruitment Stuart Harvey and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman eyeing the upcoming window to strengthen.
However, January also provides an opportunity for Sunderland to offload players on the fringes of the squad ahead of the second half of the campaign with some interesting loan clauses as well. Here, we have a look at the players who could leave the club in January and examine the probability of their departures:
5. Tom Scott
The 19-year-old is a regular for Sunderland's under-21s side but has little first-team experience. Photo: FRANK REID
6. Leon Dajaku
The 21-year-old clearly possesses some talent – albeit he is very raw – and a loan move could definitely further his development and increase his first-team credentials before returning to Sunderland. Dajaku is unlikely to get in ahead of Amad, Patrick Roberts, Jack Clarke and Alex Pritchard meaning a loan exit could well be on the cards this January. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Carl Winchester
The Sunderland man is on loan at Shrewsbury Town until the end of the season but a club could come in for Winchester before his contract expires in the summer on a permanent deal. This is a tough one to call but will be certainly one to watch during the transfer window. Photo: Alex Burstow
8. Ethan Kachosa
Another youngster in need of experience who could depart on loan should an offer come in. Photo: FRANK REID