Sunderland could be forced to consider bids for Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin in the January transfer window

Régis Le Bris says Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin are both ready to play a part for Sunderland over the festive period despite the lingering doubts over their long-term futures at the club.

Neil and Cirkin are both out of contract next summer and as of yet, talks with the pair have not yet yielded a positive resolution. That could force Sunderland to consider bids in the January transfer window, to ensure they receive some kind of return before the pair are free to depart next summer.

However, both could get their opportunity to stake a claim at Premier League level over the next few games now that six senior players have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. Le Bris says he has no concerns over either, should he decide to bring them into the starting XI or increase their game time from the bench.

“My perspective is the perspective of the coach," Le Bris said.

"So, at the minute, the situation is really clear – they are connected with the squad, they are working hard, and they are ready to be involved with the starting XI or on the bench. After that, we have a period coming up, the January market is an open period where things can happen. Something can happen, or not because the market is unpredictable. After the January period, it will be another moment and if we come into this period without something new happening, then we will see what the outcome is at the end of the season."

Le Bris said that the example of Tommy Watson last season, who made a defining contribution at Wembley despite having agreed to join Brighton weeks previous, vindicated that approach.

“We have three different levels – we have the players, we have the squad and we have the club," Le Bris said.

"The conversation [over their futures] is still open, and then probably the fourth part after that is the outside. You never know what will happen exactly. We know the contract situation, and we also know that they are really well connected with the club. I need to repeat that. They are really professional, like we said about Tommy Watson right through his time here. We knew before the end of the season that Tommy would be leaving for another club, but he stayed connected until the very end of the season. It will be the same for Dennis and Dan, I have no concerns about their connection to the club or what we are doing."

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Régis Le Bris reveals surprise Sunderland team news boost

Régis Le Bris has revealed a surprise injury boost for Sunderland, with Habib Diarra set to take a place on the bench at Brighton this weekend.

Diarra has been recovering from groin surgery and returned to full training in recent weeks, leading to his inclusion in the Senegal squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. However, the midfielder has not yet departed and will be named on the bench this Saturday.

Should he come through training and the game with no issues, he’ll then link up with Senegal next week and be able to play a full part in the tournament.

“He might be with us for Brighton and then it will be end of his rehab process. If it’s all positive, he will be to leave for his national team [next week],” Le Bris said.

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