The Sunderland January transfers in play as search steps up including latest on Leeds and West Ham duo

Sunderland are yet to make their first January addition but there remains confidence that they will be active before the window closes and talks are ongoing in search of the first breakthrough.
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The rumour mill has, as always, been lively and so here we try to take you through some of the deals that look to be in play - and outline some of the ones that probably aren't.

A POTENTIAL DEFENSIVE RESHUFFLE FOR SUNDERLAND?

Strong suggestions have emerged north of the border that Aberdeen and Hibernian, coached of course by Lee Johnson, are interested in signing Bailey Wright. Hibernian are expecting to lose Ryan Porteous this month, and so their need for a new defender is obvious.

Former Sunderland loanee Ellis SimmsFormer Sunderland loanee Ellis Simms
Former Sunderland loanee Ellis Simms
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To an extent it makes sense - Wright has played plenty of football this season but is not first choice and competition for places is only going to grow when Aji Alese is fit again. Yet Wright has been typically dependable whenever called upon, and his importance.

In a very young group he's one of the few richly experienced professionals, setting the tone and the standards behind the scenes. He's a crucial sounding board for Mowbray and the head coach has spoken glowingly about his attitude. With Luke O'Nien suspended and Alese not quite fully fit, he's also pretty close to the team right now.

The point being - it would be a major risk to sanction Wright's departure and a decision that you guarantee would not be taken lightly. It would also surely require a replacement.

Interestingly, there are some strong suggestions that Leeds United are considering a possible permanent departure for Charlie Cresswell this month. Sunderland were interested in the youngster last summer, but he moved on loan to Millwall after the Black Cats beat Gary Rowett's side to the signing of Daniel Ballard.

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It would be a complicated deal given that Cresswell is on loan at Millwall, but Sunderland would surely be interested in one of the most promising young prospects in the country for his position.

This wasn't really a priority going into the window - but it gives you an interesting insight into the dilemma Sunderland will occasionally face as they look to build a squad within their now philosophy: striking the right balance between continuously adding exciting talent and ensuring they retain the balance and experience to compete and create a strong culture. One to watch, for sure.

THE SEARCH FOR MIDFIELD COMPETITION

Sunderland are hoping that Jay Matete's loan move to Plymouth Argyle will allow him to build on an encouraging first 12 months on Wearside, particularly in terms of building his game in possession, so that he can compete for more regular starts next season.

It leaves Mowbray a little light in midfield, and he wants to add a midfielder who can operate primarily at the base of midfield but push further forward when required.

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Ideally, it would be an addition who can over the long term compete with the ever-dependable Corry Evans.

As reported by EXWhuEmployee and Alan Nixon, Sunderland have been tracking West Ham United midfielder Pierre Ekwah. The French youngster has struggled to break into the senior side at West Ham but is highly rated - the key question is whether and on what terms his departure would be sanctioned.

Time will tell how it develops but it's absolutely a position in which Sunderland are very much active.

THE STRIKING CONUNDRUM FACING SUNDERLAND

Sunderland would ideally like a young striker on a permanent deal, who can develop over time to offer real competition for Ross Stewart. Genk striker Andras Nemeth fits the bill as a big prospect who is out of contract in the summer, though at this stage it is not clear whether his club will sanction a January departure. Sunderland have a number of players who they are tracking within this profile - as they look to build a strike force over a number of windows.

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There is of course a need for a more proven operator in the short term following Ellis Simms' recall to Everton, so Sunderland are looking closely at the loan market. Leeds United striker Joe Geldhart was one of the brightest prospects seemingly available this month, but looks to have opted for an emotional return to his first club Wigan Athletic.

Sunderland are of course open to bringing Simms back and Everton are looking for striking reinforcements, but Mowbray has said that the Black Cats can't simply wait and hope - that's another very delicate balancing act currently in play.

Clearly this all presumes Ross Stewart will stay at the club beyond the end of the month, something which remains the expected outcome at this stage.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS FOR SUNDERLAND?

Some more outgoing loans are possible - though Tony Mowbray has said that he is minded to keep Niall Huggins until the end of the season. Leon Dajaku is one contender, particularly if Sunderland do conclude incoming business.

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They are being strongly linked in France with Lille winger Isaac Lihadji, who is another hugely talented youngster out of contract in the summer and seemingly not minded to agree to another deal. It's a reminder that Sunderland are always looking to add young players to their squad, even if they might not necessarily be in positions that appear an obvious priority.

We saw that in the summer with the arrivals of Amad, Abdoullah Ba, Jewison Bennette and Edouard Michut just before the window closed. It's still expected to be a quieter January window with the focus on quality rather than quantity, but you wouldn't rule out a surprise or two entirely.