Sunderland are likely to see a few players leave before next week’s deadline.
Jewison Bennette is reportedly set to join Reading on loan, while Luis Hemir and Joe Anderson could make way.
One player who is yet to be linked to any clubs but looks increasingly likely to leave is Timothee Pembele.
The Frenchman arrived in Sunderland from Paris Saint-Germain last summer but has struggled to adapt so far, with his performances in pre-season proving to be a cause for concern.
Pembele hasn’t featured in any of the three match-day squads since the season started and Regis Le Bris has now confirmed that they are ‘looking’ to send him out on loan.
Whether the 21-year-old leaves or not, Sunderland will surely be looking to bring in a new right-back as Trai Hume’s understudy.
The Northern Ireland international is one of the first names on the Black Cats’ team-sheet, and any injury to him would leave Le Bris’ side looking incredibly vulnerable.
Sunderland need to bring in a right-back that can fill into that slot comfortably and do all the defensive duties that Pembele has arguably really struggled with.
The Wearside outfit are running out of time to bring in a back-up defender though as they approach the final week of the window.
Here are three right-backs Sunderland should consider signing.
3 potential Pembele replacements at Sunderland
Cyrus Christie
While definitely not the most exciting of additions, Christie is a defender with bags of Championship experience.
The 31-year-old has made over 300 appearances in the second division and has also won the play-offs twice.
Christie is currently a free-agent after he was released by Hull City but could still be a very solid back-up option.
His age means he could be happy to play second fiddle to Hume and could also act as a real leader when Sunderland are pushing for promotion towards the end of the campaign.
James Bree
Another experienced head is Bree, who has racked up over 200 appearances in the Championship.
The former Aston Villa defender won promotion to the Premier League with both Luton Town and Southampton, but has struggled for game-time on the south coast and was an unused substitute in the opening day defeat to Newcastle United.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sheffield United have been looking at snapping him up this summer, but they eventually went onto sign Jamie Shackleton instead.
Bree would be a very good signing for a Championship side and would provide good competition for Hume, but it also seems very unlikely that he would risk joining a team that could force him to sit on the bench.
Josh Dacres-Cogley
The 28-year-old joined Bolton Wanderers in 2023 and played a key role in reaching the play-offs before he was named in the EFL League One Team of the Season.
Dacres-Cogley blocked the second-most passes in the third division last term (56), as well as picking up three goals and six assists in 47 matches.
Alan Nixon reported last month that Portsmouth were considering swooping for the wing-back, but he is yet to leave the Toughsheet Community Stadium.