Régis Le Bris issues final Sunderland transfer update ahead of January window conclusion

Régis Le Bris says that Sunderland are still working hard to add to their squad before the transfer deadline.

The January window shuts at 7pm on Monday, an hour before Sunderland kick off their latest Premier League game against Burnley at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have thus far only add youngster Jocelin Ta Bi to their squad, though a number of players have departed on loan and permanent deals.

Sunderland would like to add some more depth to their squad in a couple of key positions, but have long made clear that they will not rush into any business. The Sunderland head coach said the club were still active in the window and that late business couldn’t be ruled out.

“I won't comment on individual players but the market is often the same: a lot of interest, many conversations, not many deals,” Le Bris said.

“For us as a club and a team we don't have to rush anything. We're happy with our squad. If we can reinforce our team we'll try. There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes and it’s better for us stay under the radar. We'll see what happens. It's still possible. The market is the market and it's unpredictable. And I repeat, the end of the market is often more active.

“I'm always optimistic, we'll see if I'm naïve!”

Further outgoings are also anticipated, though it is more likely to be loan deals for those on the fringes of Le Bris’s squad. Wilson Isidor has been linked with a potential move with his minutes currently limited, while there was also speculation this week that FC Paris were interested in a deal for Eliezer Mayenda. Sunderland sources paid short shrift to the latter, and Le Bris said on Friday that he was happy with this part of the pitch as it was.

Anthony Patterson’s potential loan exit has also been complicated after Bayer Leverkusen signed potentiall replacement Jonas Omlin.

“At the minute they're rumours, only rumours,” Le Bris said if the Isidor and Mayenda links.

“I said before West Ham I was happy with the squad. With two real strikers and one more versatile, it's perfect. If we don't move, we don't move. And with Anthony [Patterson], no change at the minute. It's an option [that he goes] but we need a replacement.

“For the rest of the squad, it's possible for one or two players because they need more minutes. If it's possible we'll do it. It shows our players are good if they can move in this market.”

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Régis Le Bris’s Granit Xhaka injury update

Le Bris also offered an injury update on Sunderland captain at his pre-Burnley press conference.

He said: “Yes, he's doing well. He will have another assessment in around one week and from that point, we'll see where it is to define the next stage of its rehabilitation. So it should take probably three more weeks.”

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