RLB ON TRANSFERS & FRINGE PLAYERS

Regis Le Bris has explained the situations of Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin, who are both now in the last half-season of their respective contracts. Cirkin has featured recently and done well in the absence of Reinildo due to AFCON, but last season's captain Neil must be frustrated with his lack of minutes this campaign - making just three sub cameos in the Premier League.

NEIL LINKED WITH A MOVE

“For me, I speak about the football perspective, and this is my main focus. After that, the contracts, the contract situation, the discussion, the conversation they had with Kristjaan or Kyril, I'm not involved in those conversations. So for me, Dan is still important in the squad. Probably it's an important part of his journey now, because you know that when you have only six months left, the decision is really close, and I really appreciate the way we work together, so we'll see now if he will leave, or if he will stay for the next five months."

FIERCE COMPETITON

“The competition is so high, and we have so many good players in the squad now, and you have to accept this competition, but he never gave up, so I think it's very important. Now we'll see. It's a tough position because we want to respect everyone. He's still important in the group. His motivation now is connected with the current situation but the future as well. You don't know what to expect from the market so it's tough to say.”

EVERY PLAYER IS DIFFERENT

“So everyone has his own journey, and Dennis is different, Dan is different, Luke is different, but I appreciate the way they are still connected with the squad, we support them, we challenge them, and the feedback is really positive, even with Dan."

REINILDO VS CIRKIN

“So I have no problems with any players in the dressing room, and for Dennis, for example, I'm really pleased because he struggled at the beginning, we supported him, and now he's at a really good level, and he's a really good backup for Rei. Rei is a really good player, a good leader, it's tough to say Dennis will step up now, in front of Rei, but we don't know what will happen in the future.”

MASUAKU COULD STILL LEAVE

"It's a short-term injury, so it's possible to imagine a future here or elsewhere."

INCOMING SIGNINGS

“It's a difficult window but it could have been more difficult - we're in a good place. Our standards are high so if you want to replace someone or add a new player, it's really demanding. But that's really positive for the club and fans and everyone here. Now we are targeting really specific positions, but we are not the only ones. It's often offensive positions with specific qualities and it's tough to find."

PROJECT PLAYERS

“It’s important to say as well that at Sunderland the identity is to build rather than buy. We are really good at supporting the players and giving opportunities to young players. They might not be so strong at the beginning but they have this potential. We give them opportunities and then they can become good or very good players.”

HAPPY WITH THE SQUAD

“Yes, because I believe the recruitment staff are working hard. We have many conversations with Flo, Kyril and Kristjaan and we are fully aligned. I'm really focused on the squad and the way we can develop. I trust the players we have. If we can improve the squad, let's do it. If we can't, maybe it's the right decision.”

DOES TRAORE INJURY MAKE NEW WINGER A PRIORITY?

“I don't think it's connected. We're expecting a 3-4 week time frame, so we won't rush the process, because it's better to give him a strong rehabilitation programme. He'll be back soon, so it's not really well connected. We have other options, because we worked without him for almost four weeks, and it was possible.”