Sunderland have some major decisions to make in the final stages of the January transfer window

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland have not ruled out a late loan move in the January transfer window for Chris Rigg.

Rigg has not been a regular in the starting XI but has 11 appearances across all competition this season in what is his first campaign at Premier League level. The 18-year-old played 90 minutes for the U21s in a defeat to Borussia Dortmund this week in order to top up his match fitness, with the Black Cats weighing up their options as key players including fellow central midfielder Habib Diarra return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

While there is an argument that Rigg would benefit from playing regularly in the short term, there is also an argument that such a young player with time on his side is better staying and training every day in an elite environment. Le Bris said both had merit and that a decision would be made at the end of the window when the Black Cats have a better idea of what their squad will look like for the final months of the season.

Le Bris said: "Yeah, both options are interesting [loan or staying], 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."

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Le Bris: Sunderland working to strike balance with players who need more minutes

Sunderland could yet sanction a number of departures before the window closes on February 2nd, an hour before the Black Cats face Burnley at the Stadium of Light.

Anthony Patterson is one of those players, with Sunderland exploring a potential move for Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Jonas Omlin to allow the academy graduate to head out on loan.

"Yeah, it's tough to speak about individual players, but the whole idea is still the same," Le Bris said.

"For players who need minutes, the conversation is still open. If we can find an agreement positive for both sides, the club, them, we'll move forward. So at the minute nothing is official for any players, but we are working hard behind the scenes."

The Sunderland head coach added that the positive mood behind the scenes meant that no one was pushing to leave as such, and that things that could still change very quickly for those currently on the fringes of his squad.

"The connection is really respectful," he said.

"Even if they don't have game-time, they know they are still important in the dressing room and to the training dynamic. And I think they like the club. Sometimes because they have strong history with the club or because the atmosphere is really positive. So you know what you are leaving. It could be more positive [if playing] but it's still a good place to enjoy your career. On Saturday, maybe one of those players will have an opportunity and then it's a switch. You never know. I appreciate the connection with them, it's always open and clear with a strong level of confidence with their agents, with the sporting directors and me."

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