Sunderland are likely looking to complete at least two more signings before deadline day.
Sunderland have already confirmed the arrival of Leo Hjelde from Leeds United, while Romaine Mundle is also closing in on a move to Wearside today.
The Black Cats then will surely snap up a new striker, with a loan deal for Kieffer Moore still on the table as the club await his decision on which Championship club to join this week.
While Sunderland have made it clear that they also wish to add a midfielder to their ranks, there have been very few names thrown into the hat recently. Though Alex Pritchard’s looming exit will surely also encourage Kristjaan Speakman to delve into the transfer market once more.
While it is unclear whether Sunderland will win the race for Moore, we have taken a look at what Michael Beale‘s best eleven could look like if he is to join Hjelde and Mundle at the Stadium of Light.
Best starting line-up ahead of deadline day
Anthony Patterson remains Sunderland’s best goalkeeper, with Nathan Bishop far behind in terms of claiming that number one spot.
The Black Cats academy graduate has been linked with a move to Liverpool this month, but it looks likely that if that were to happen, the Reds would prefer to make themselves known in the summer.
Trai Hume starts at right-back, despite regularly playing on the left throughout the campaign. Injuries to Niall Huggins, Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin saw him forced to the opposite flank during the win over Stoke City at the weekend.
Dan Ballard has been an absolute rock throughout the campaign, and was once again really impressive against Stoke, making six clearances.
Jenson Seelt struggled to earn his place in the team following his summer arrival, but injuries have given him the opportunity to star in the backline.
While he has mostly played at right-back, the Dutchman has looked really promising and it won’t be long before he is a regular.
Luke O’Nien has struggled with consistency so far this season and may be the one to face the chopping block if Beale decides to start Seelt.
Leo Hjelde comes straight in at left-back, with all three of our other players in that position sidelined.
The Norwegian could well be thrown straight in at the deep end, though it is unclear whether he will actually prove he is worthy of a start once his teammates return from injury.
Pierre Ekwah looked much better slightly further forward against Stoke City and could well keep his place there, with Beale having moved the midfield around a bit in Alex Pritchard’s absence.
Dan Neil remains an important part of Sunderland’s team and is unlikely to be dislodged anytime soon.
Jobe Bellingham looked much better in a flat midfield three at the weekend and proved useful on both the attack and defence. He seems much more useful alongside Ekwah and Neil, rather than in front of them.
Jack Clarke is comfortably one of Sunderland’s best players, and if they manage to keep hold of him tomorrow, then there is no doubt he will remain a huge asset in the bid for promotion.
Romaine Mundle is set to arrive in a £2 million deal, and given the plaudits he was received from Tottenham fans, I think we can expect to see him make a real impact on the right wing.
Patrick Roberts will undeniably challenge him once he returns from injury, but he may be matched for his skills and dribbling, and then it will just be down to who can actually transform them into goals and assists.
Kieffer Moore would go straight into the Sunderland starting line-up, despite both Nazariy Rusyn and Mason Burstow getting off the mark this month.
The Welshman has netted 47 goals and provided 14 assists during his time in the Championship, and is perfectly capable of forcing a promotion challenge if the Black Cats can sign him.