In the meantime, here's every signing the Black Cats have made in January over the last decade, and a look at where they are now.
9. Steve Harper - January 2016
Brought in as cover between the sticks, Harper finished playing his career at the Stadium of Light. He's now a goalkeeping coach for both Newcastle United and Northern Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
10. Lamine Kone - January 2016
His stirring performances helped Sunderland avoid relegation in the 2015/16 season, but he eventually ended up joining French side Strasbourg, who are 14th in Ligue 1 at the moment. (Photo credit: PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PATRICK HERTZOG
11. Wahbi Khazri - January 2016
After failing to produce the magic for the Black Cats, he inexplicably became a goal machine after moving to France. He scored 14 times for AS Saint-Etienne last season, although he's bagged just one goal this season. (Photo by GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: GENYA SAVILOV
12. Joleon Lescott - January 2017
Lescott was over the hill by the time he joined the club, and finished his playing career at the end of the season. He's now working as a pundit and broadcaster. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey