It could be a busy day on Wearside as the January transfer window concludes, so what are the deals potentially in play?
Here, we run you through..
GOALKEEPER AND DEFENCE – ALL DONE?
Injuries left Sunderland in need of more cover on the left side of defence, with the club moving to sign Leo Hjelde for a seven-figure fee. Hjelde brings versatility to the Sunderland squad, capable of playing left back and centre back. He’s promised to bring energy to the Black Cats side and should allow for Trai Hume to return to his preferred position.
As such, further movement appears unlikely at least at this stage. Nectar Triantis could be a contender for a loan at some stage, but both Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien are close to 10 yellow cards and a suspension – meaning that cover is probably needed. Beale has spoken about wanting to have the option to play with a back three on certain occasions and has praised both Triantis and Jenson Seelt for their work behind the scenes, hinting that he’ll find playing opportunities for both.
MIDFIELDER – ONE IN, ONE OUT?
Both Beale and Kristjaan Speakman have confirmed that the club would like to add another midfielder to their ranks before the window closes. Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah continue to progress but both are probably best suited to playing as an attacking eight, as is the case with Jobe Bellingham.
Speakman confirmed last week that the club were looking for a ‘different’ option, but made clear that as is the case with a striker, they’ll only add the right player: “Yeah, I think we would like to have a little bit more difference [in our options] to create a bit more balance.
“Sometimes those players are here and are injured, sometimes it is about players who you are trying to sign.
“It’s about signing the right player, what you can’t do is get on the path of signing the wrong player and adding them to your group, that doesn’t provide a solution it just creates problems somewhere down the track. It just means you have players who you don’t think can be part of the team [in the long run] and who the coach isn’t going to want to pick in the team.”
A number of players have been linked over the course of the window, including Yann M’Vila. That was quickly refuted by local sources and though there most certainly was a very active interest in Barnsley’s Callum Styles, no deal was agreed.
Should Sunderland land a midfielder then Jay Matete could yet leave on loan. Matete has a knee problem at the moment but Beale has confirmed that it is only minor, and you would think therefore unlikely to prevent an exit. That will surely on happen if reinforcements arrive, however, as Matete will be needed if not.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD – ONE IN, ONE OUT AND NOTHING MORE (HOPEFULLY)?
Sunderland will confirm two deals on deadline day, with winger Romain Mundle joining from Standard Liege for a seven-figure fee. Alex Pritchard will join Birmingham City after the two clubs agreed a fee for the attacking midfielder, who requested a transfer and withdrew from the squad last week.
