While Sunderland are keen to add to their squad this month to aid their push for promotion, it seems the club is also looking to offload unwanted players, too.
Sunderland cannot afford to carry any passengers, of course, as they continue to fight at the top of the table and have the Premier League in their sights.
Regis Le Bris has already added Enzo Le Fee to his squad, and looks set to make a new striker his next priority this month.
And, it would seem the departure of Aaron Connolly is paving the way for that second signing of the January window, with Le Bris more than open about the fact the forward wants out.
Regis Le Bris understands Aaron Connolly’s desire to leave
There has been continued speculation that Connolly will join Millwall on a free transfer this month, after struggling to make an impact at Sunderland.
Speaking to the press (via Sunderland’s official YouTube channel), Le Bris opened up on the situation and explained why he will not stand in Connolly’s way.
“It is still a question of having your own pathway,” Le Bris said. “The connection and the journey at the club are important for the player, but this window is an opportunity for everyone to reassess and for Aaron, it was very clear that he wanted to play, but couldn’t really build momentum because he was behind Wilson [Isidor] and Eliezer [Mayenda].”
He added: “We can understand his situation, and if we can find a positive solution for all sides we will move forward.”
It is expected Sunderland will terminate Connolly’s contract to facilitate the move to Millwall without a fee.
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Upgrading on Aaron Connolly now could clinch promotion for Sunderland
In all honesty, things were never going to work out for Connolly at Sunderland, as he simply does not fit the system Le Bris likes to play.
The partnership of Isidor and Mayenda has been valuable for the Black Cats so far this season, and long may it continue. But, if Sunderland are serious about promotion, they need a better backup than Connolly.
Le Bris did not play down talk of Tom Cannon joining the club this month, but Sunderland face a fierce fight to sign the Leicester man. Still, the fact they are actively looking to shift Connolly and bring in a higher quality striker says all we need to know about the club’s intention to put everything into this promotion fight.