Sunderland are likely to be active on deadline day even if they are largely happy with their squad as things stand
It looks as if Sunderland's deadline day may be a little less dramatic than had appeared likely early on Sunday.
With just over 24 hours to go before the deadline, Lutsharel Geertruida had looked as if he might well make a surprise exit, with Liverpool interested in taking over his loan from RB Leipzig. Sunderland would have facilitated the move had they been able to source a replacement, understanding that the chance to move to Anfield, reunite with Arne Slot and play in the Champions League in a World Cup year was an appealing one. Replacing a player of his quality and versatility was a tall order, however, and by Sunday evening all parties had accepted a move was highly unlikely. As such, a potential flurry of transfer activity was snuffed out.
Sunderland had also concluded some of their key January business over the course of the weekend, signing Malmo goalkeeper Melker Ellborg in order to facilitate Anthony Patterson's loan switch to Millwall. With the goalkeeping department now settled for the rest of the campaign, the Black Cats heads into deadline day with the bulk of their work done. There will almost certainly be activity on the day, however.
In a surprise move over the weekend, Schalke moved to sign Adil Aouchiche and should an agreement be found, the player is likely to be recalled from his loan at Aberdeen and sold. While Schalke were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, they currently sit top of the second tier under former Plymouth boss Miron Muslic and given the stature of the club, the move will likely appeal to the player. Should that deal complete then there could be a further knock-on effect as it will free up an international loan slot in Sunderland's squad. That could yet help the likes of Ian Poveda and Abdoullah Ba move on to try and play regularly at least until the end of the campaign. More loan exits for the players on the fringes of Régis
Le Bris's squad are a possibility before the window closes at 7pm, an hour before the Black Cats face Burnley at the Stadium of Light.
Some late incoming business cannot be ruled out entirely, either. Sunderland came into the window keen on adding cover and depth in central midfield is possible, and that has remained the case even if apparent clarity on Geertruida's future makes that need a little less pressing. Sunderland would ideally bolster their ranks in the wide areas, though their interest in Tyrique George is not expected to progress now that the Chelsea youngster is on the verge of joining Everton on an initial loan deal. Sunderland have long insisted that they would not be panicked into doing business and that they are happy with their squad, but they have certainly not given up on strengthening Le Bris's options for the final months of the season.
Though there has been intermittent speculation over the course of the month that there could be some movement up front, that now looks increasingly unlikely as the deadline nears. Le Bris has said consistently that he is happy with his three options.
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What Régis Le Bris said about Sunderland's transfer stance ahead of deadline day
"I won't comment on individual players but the market is often the same," Le Bris said.
"A lot of interest, many conversations, not many deals. For us as a club and a team we don't have to rush anything. We're happy with our squad. If we can reinforce our team we'll try. We'll see what happens - it's better for us to stay under the radar. It's possible [we'll strengthen] . The market is the market and it's unpredictable, but often more active at the end."
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