Sunderland are gearing up for a busy transfer window as they attempt to keep hold of their best players and add to their current squad.
Michael Beale has a task on his hands in this window to bolster his side.
It’s always difficult to do business in January as clubs are reluctant to sell their players midway through the season and the right targets don’t always come available.
Sunderland’s main priority is adding an experienced forward to their ranks after watching their current crop struggle for goals.
The Black Cats also want to ensure star players remain at the Stadium of Light, including winger Jack Clarke and midfielder Dan Neil.
Here’s how a dream Sunderland XI could look after the January transfer window…
Michael Beale’s dream Sunderland XI
Anthony Patterson keeping his place in between the sticks is a certainty. The 23-year-old has helped Sunderland keep eight clean sheets and form the fourth-best defence in the division with only 28 goals conceded.
Trai Hume is also instrumental to their strong defence. Beales’s tackling machine keeps his place in the team at right-back following a fine season so far.
The Sunderland boss hasn’t hinted at bolstering his defence and has enough cover in that area which means Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien will likely continue their partnership in central defence.
Meanwhile, Beale will have been happy with the performances of Aji Alese at left-back, who has performed well on his return to the side.
At the base of midfield, physical monster Pierre Ekwah will continue in his role of screening the defence.
The unselfish work of the Frenchman allows advanced midfielders, Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham to marraud into dangerous areas of the pitch.
Neil showed he was Premier League quality in the defeat against Newcastle while Bellingham continues to get better with each passing game.
Patrick Roberts has struggled to rediscover his best form this term and Beale could look to replace him with Amad Diallo.
Although loaning him from Manchester United is a difficult ask, he was a revelation at the Stadium of Light last term and is an upgrade on Roberts.
Sunderland’s left-wing needs no introduction. A dream transfer window isn’t fulfilled unless they keep top scorer Jack Clarke. He’s attracting interest from several Premier League sides, including West Ham, but the Black Cats are determined to keep their star man.
Beale can fix their striker issues by signing the ‘unplayable’ Kieffer Moore on loan. The Welshman is currently out of favour at Bournemouth and has scored 47 goals at Championship level.