This is what Sunderland fans can expect from the January transfer window with busy month expected

Sunderland intent to be active in the January transfer window, though the emphasis will be on quality rather than quantity.

After a transformative summer in which the club recruited 14 players and overhauled its side in order to be ready for the Premier League, there is a satisfaction with the progress made so far and more importantly a determination to give the young players signed time and room to grow. There is also a recognition that you can never afford to stand still at this level, and that a strong first half of the campaign represents an opportunity to strengthen while the mood is good and players will be attracted to an exciting project.

As Florent Ghisolfi told The Echo back in November, Sunderland are very happy with their group but know that they need to keep invest to close a still significant gap to the rest of the division, and that a couple of additions can add some valuable 'oxygen' to the group.

It's understood that Sunderland would ideally like to add another midfielder to the squad, most likely a natural defensive midfielder. Lutsharel Geertruida has covered in that position admirably over the last couple of games but with Dan Neil's future clearly uncertain, it's a position where the Black Cats could end up vulnerable should Granit Xhaka suffer any kind of injury. Though Habib Diarra's return from injury and AFCON will be a major boost, Sunderland feel more depth and quality in this part of the pitch is key.

Régis Le Bris told The Echo earlier in December that Sunderland were looking at 'two or three' profiles to potentially strengthen in January, if the right calibre of player is available. Central midfield is clearly one, and the forward areas also could present some opportunity. Simon Adingra's resurgence over the last fortnight will give the wide areas a stronger look when Sunderland's AFCON contingent return, but on the right in particular there is a lack of depth behind Bertrand Traore. Sunderland have players who can fill in there, but lack natural options and at times this season they've suffered when Traore has come off after an hour or so. If there's one position where Sunderland could obviously improve their current options and the balance of the squad as a result, it's there.

Up front is another position to watch, and one that Sunderland could be open to recruiting in if the right option is available. Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor have excelled at different times this season and there remains an absolute belief that Eliezer Mayenda will be a huge player in the long term, but adding a bit of quality could be an option that in turn might let Mayenda go out and play regularly on loan. Le Bris has made clear though that Sunderland are not rushing into any decisions on that front, and so it could be one to watch much later in the month.

Sunderland know they have a good dressing room at the moment and have no intent of doing too much business and potentially upsetting that as a result. So in terms of volume it might not be a particularly busy month for incomings, but the business the club does could potentially be very exciting indeed given the strong start. One more to watch: Geertruida has made such a solid start to his Sunderland career and having moved quickly to secure Isidor's long-term future this time last year, might they know do the same again?

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Why outgoings are going to be key for Sunderland this January

Internally, Sunderland view this as a vital window in terms of outgoings and securing regular football for those that need it. Ideally, Sunderland would find a permanent suitor for those not involved with the first-team squad this season: Jay Matete, Joe Anderson, Timothee Pembele, Abdoullah Ba, Ian Poveda. Loans remain a possibility, though. Then there is another category of player who the club believe could still have a long-term future but need regular minutes to develop: Ahmed Abdullahi, Leo Hjelde, Ai Alese, Harrison Jones and more. Expect a significant number of departures this month, whether on loan or permanent.

Arthur Masuaku could depart having struggled for regular minutes in the first half of the season, and Sunderland are now in a position where they will have to consider bids for Neil given he can depart on a free in the summer. There's a very good chance the number of departures could reach double figures before the window closes on February 2nd, just an hour before Sunderland kick off against Burnley at the Stadium of Light.

Your next Sunderland read: 'Maybe...' - Man City boss Pep Guardiola outlines potential double injury boost ahead of Sunderland trip