TRANSFER ROUNDUP

It’s been a slow start to Sunderland’s January window, as expected, but it has been said that the Black Cats could make a couple of additions to strengthen the squad this month – but only if the deal is right for everyone. In recent days, we have been linked with a midfielder from the Turkish league while one of our summer signings is reportedly ready to leave the club already!

GABRIEL SARA

Reports in Turkey have claimed that Sunderland are one of several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara. The Brazilian’s agent is supposedly meeting with Galatasaray officials this week to discuss the player’s situation, with both Sunderland and Fulham “seriously interested” in the former Norwich man. The 26-year-old is technically sound and is able to contribute with goals and assists from midfield. He could be a useful tool for Regis Le Bris if we want to see more goals spread around the squad. With big names like Sadiki, Xhaka, Le Fee and Diarra already making an impact in our midfield, this signing could be one which gives us a bit of depth and some creativity when needed in certain games.

MASUAKU OUT?

With the success of Reinildo, and Dennis Cirkin now also fully fit, Arthur Masuaku has struggled for game time at left back this season. When we signed him in the summer the West Ham fans described Arthur as an attack-minded wingback who would bomb forward but had a real lack of defensive awareness. In the rare starts Masuaku has been afforded, that seems like a fair assessment – particularly struggling against Manchester United. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him leave Wearside this month.

Standard Liege have been credited with an interest in signing the 32-year-old on loan, as a back-up option. It has also been said that the Belgian outfit have no interest in signing Masuaku permanently, plus expect SAFC to continue covering the player’s full salary. This seems like an unlikely deal, as there is quite literally zero benefit to Sunderland in this scenario, but if the DR Congo international wants to get fit in time for his country’s World Cup qualifiers in March then exiting the SoL may be best for all parties.