With such a tight race for the top two automatic promotion spots to the Premier League next season, the January transfer window could tip the scale in a club’s favor. As a result, Sunderland want to ensure they fend off Leeds United and other promotional rivals.
Sunderland received a gift from Leeds right before the international break. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s mishap allowed the Black Cats to leave with a draw after Leeds had the win in the bag.
As a result, Sunderland remain atop the Championship and now are plotting how to bolster their team once the January window opens to ensure that they are one of the two teams that get an automatic promotion to avoid the Championship Play-off.
Regis Le Bris makes demands to Sunderland for the January window
Football Insider reported on Monday, citing sources, that Regis Le Bris has informed Sunderland he expects strong backing in the January transfer window, provided his team remains in contention for promotion.
Sunderland could be keen on securing former Liverpool manager Jordan Henderson to add more experience to the squad. The report notes that the Frenchman is eager to be backed to give his side the best chance of securing automatic promotion if they are still in contention come January.
Moreover, Sunderland are considering offering the England international a short-term contract through the end of the season, with an option to extend it by another year.
The Black Cats made 10 signings in the summer but paid transfer fees for just two new arrivals. On the other side, Leeds will need to make their signings to ensure they have depth after undergoing an injury crisis in the midfield and having their center-back depth tested.
Leeds are also looking to bolster their depth in the backline once the January transfer window opens in a couple of months. The Mirror reported this past weekend that Leeds, Everton, and Fulham are among several English clubs monitoring Steaua Bucharest center-back Joyskim Dawa.
The 28-year-old, who is gaining recognition as a late bloomer, has impressed in the Europa League this season, helping Steaua win both of their opening matches.
