SUNDERLAND are looking to strengthen three positions this month, including a striker, a versatile forward, and a midfielder. Regis Le Bris had previously stated that adding to the attack will be his first goal in the January transfer window, but the head coach indicated Wednesday that the team is also looking for a midfielder.
It comes after Alan Browne and Chris Rigg suffered injuries, leaving the Black Cats lacking in that part of the pitch. While Salis Abdul Samed has returned to full training and is likely to make his FA Cup debut against Stoke City next week, Le Bris wants to guarantee Sunderland has adequate midfield cover to get through the second part of the season.
Le Bris also discussed Sunderland’s attacking options, which include a striker and a versatile forward. He stated: “We now have only two midfielders available at that level. We can develop other players, such as Milan [Aleksic], but he requires time to reach that level. So we’re still keeping an eye on this portion of the pitch.
“A striker, a versatile forward – we don’t know because the market is still unpredictable.” Another focus for Sunderland this month is retaining their great players, and while Le Bris understands he cannot make any assurances, he is optimistic important players will remain on Wearside. “Transfer interest is an option when young players play such outstanding football. “Most likely, some of them could be targeted for large, gigantic clubs. However, they understand the dynamic and believe that where they are now is a good place for them to grow.
“It’s more than simply their own career; it’s what they can teach their teammates. It is a human trip, and they are enjoying it. “It’s good news that there’s interest from other clubs, but at the same time they’re really involved in our project.” And Le Bris believes that the fact that important players are happy and developing well at the club would aid their efforts to strengthen the group. He said, “It’s unusual to have this feeling in a group. Football is not the same now. “It’s quite tough to build a collaborative project. It’s good for the guys who are currently on the squad, as well as the players who could be included. But they must understand that this is a non-negotiable rule in order to work with us.”
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