Anthony Patterson is one of a number of Sunderland players who could be on the move this month

Régis Le Bris says Anthony Patterson could still leave the club this month but has reiterated that it will only happen if the club can secure a replacement.

Patterson has just one competitive appearance to his name this season, with Robin Roefs firmly established as the club's number one goalkeeper following a brilliant run of form since arriving at the club in the summer. Alex Neil's Millwall are the latest club to be linked with a move for Patterson as they bid to secure a spot in the play-offs this season.

Sunderland would not stand in Patterson's way in theory, but cannot afford to let him to go without securing a high-calibre replacement. Le Bris has previously stated that he does not think that will be easy for the club.

He said the frustration those not in the side will be experiencing is normal but reflected the high level of competition in his squad this season.

"Yes, it's an option for him to leave this month," Le Bris said.

"But he will need to be replaced, absolutely this is the case.

"It's always tough when players aren't playing We have to accept that, for us and for them because you want to play and when you don't play you are frustrated, which is normal.

"After that, you have competition. For example, for those two players Dan [Neil] with Granit and Patto with Robin. This is the competition and I think it's fair to say the best players are playing right now. That doesn't mean they're not good players, they are both good players but competition is competition."

Le Bris sympathised with Patterson's situation but said it was vital to give confidence to the club's number one, as they had done in previous seasons when Patterson was the beneficiary.

"It's a specific position, one of the most difficult probably," Le Bris said.

"As a manager and coaching staff, you want to create the condition of confidence, so after a mistake or sequence of mistakes, you won't say, you're done, it's time for the other one. You want to support them. We did it last season with Patto, with Dan as well. It's the journey of a footballer. It's not easy but it remains a good life. You need challenges and you probably enjoy it a bit less when you're not playing, but it remains a good life!"

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RLB’s Sunderland transfer update

Sunderland confirmed a deal for young winger Jocelin Ta Bi on Friday, but Le Bris reiterated in his pre match press conference on Thursday that the club would not be rushed into deals this month. Ta Bi is seen as a development signing, and so does not impact the club’s broader plans to see if they can improve the first team this month.

“We're in a good place,” Le bris said.

“Our standards are high so if you want to replace someone or add a new player, it's really demanding. But that's really positive for the club and fans and everyone here. Now we are targeting really specific positions, but we are not the only ones.

“It's often offensive positions with specific qualities and it's tough to find. But at Sunderland the identity is to build rather than buy.

“We are really good at supporting the players and giving opportunities to young players. They might not be so strong at the beginning but they have this potential. We give them opportunities and then they can become good or very good players.”

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