9 players who could still leave Sunderland this January transfer window and 3 who definitely won't

With just days left in the January transfer window, there are still a whole host of Sunderland players who could be in line for late exits.

The Black Cats have spent much of the month trimming their squad, but there is still work to be done in that regard, while a number of key first team talents are also being linked with prospective departures.

With that in mind, here are the Sunderland players who could still leave the club, and those who are likely to stay put...

Could Leave

Anthony Patterson

The Sunderland goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order ever since Robin Roefs arrived on Wearside, and is being heavily linked with a loan exit amid mounting interest from the Championship. Much will depend on whether the Black Cats can bring in a suitable replacement before the end of the window, however.

Aji Alese

Back earning minutes for the U21s after a lengthy period of injury absence, Alese is unlikely to feature much for the first team over the coming months due to Sunderland’s strength in depth at the back, and could be a prime candidate for a temporary departure, provided he is deemed fit enough.

Leo Hjelde

Another who is unlikely to see much game time between now and the end of the season, the right loan destination could be a fine way of ensuring that he continues his personal development.

Chris Rigg

Despite having featured semi-regularly for the first team this season, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has refused to rule out the possibility of Rigg heading out on loan this month. In a recent press conference, he said: "Both options [loan or staying] are interesting, and I repeat, we are working on every individual, and at the minute, we don't have a specific position, because we have to wait for the final set-up [of the squad], and at the end, we will make a decision."

Milan Aleksic

Recalled from a loan deal in Poland to facilitate Arthur Masuaku’s exit to RC Lens, Aleksic now finds himself in something of a limbo. Would Sunderland be tempted to sell if the right offer came in for the young midfielder? You’d have to assume they’d consider it.

Abdoullah Ba

A forgotten man in need of a career reboot, Ba is surely near the top of Sunderland’s list of potential releases this month. Where he ends up, however, remains to be seen.

Harrison Jones

On a personal level, Jones has been hampered somewhat by Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. Whereas last term he was on the cusp of first team involvement for large periods of the campaign, a hectic summer of recruitment has notably limited his opportunities in recent months. A temporary stint in the EFL would be ideal for the emerging talent.

Wilson Isidor

Likely? Not necessarily, but while speculative reports continue to link Isidor with the likes of Turkish giants Besiktas, an exit cannot be ruled out entirely, especially after Le Bris admitted that his player was growing frustrated with his limited role in recent weeks. Presumably Sunderland would be reluctant to sanction an exit without a suitable replacement lined up, but this could be one to keep half an eye on.

Ian Poveda

Desperately in need of a fresh start, Poveda is another who Sunderland will be eager to find a fresh challenge for over the coming days.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Will Stay

Eliezer Mayenda

Reports had emerged earlier this week suggesting that Paris FC were in talks over a prospective deal for Mayenda, but an update from The i Paper has stated that Sunderland are keen on keeping the young striker around for the foreseeable future, and it is hard to imagine him leaving.

Simon Adingra

Wild speculation on the continent had linked Adingra with the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus in recent weeks, but those reports feel like nothing more than fanciful paper talk. It is hard to imagine the summer signing leaving any time soon.

Romaine Mundle

Another who was heavily touted for an exit, recent comments from Le Bris, plus an upswing in his first team minutes of late, would seem to suggest that Mundle won’t be going anywhere this month.

Your next Sunderland read: Luke O'Nien issues Sunderland message after West Ham United defeat