Tony Mowbray has suggested there is still ‘ a chance’ that Isaac Lihadji could leave Sunderland.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats boss admitted that players could depart the club this summer if it is the right thing to do for both parties.
Lihadji signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Sunderland less than seven months ago and was limited to only six appearances in the second half of last season.
While it was thought that the winger could be given more of a chance this time round, reports have claimed that he is now in talks over a move to Qatar.
Lihadji was withdrawn from Sunderland’s squad for their draw with Mallorca as negotiations over his exit have ‘progressed significantly’ over the last week.
Isaac Lihadji could already be on his way out of Sunderland
Mowbray has now admitted the Frenchman could already be on his way out, with Al-Duhail looking to snap up the youngster.
When asked if there would be any further outgoings this summer, Mowbray said: “I think there’s a chance but I don’t know the answer to where or how that will happen. But I do think there’s a chance.
“I do think we sort of could probably utilise salary for different positions on the pitch if we’re trying to remould. But it’s very difficult to talk about things like that because the phone has to ring.
“We’re not out there pushing our players out the door. If the phone rings and it’s right for the club and we feel pretty strong in one position but we’re a bit empty in another, we might feel it’s the right thing to move him out and use that salary or to sell him and use the money to fill this one. That’s what football clubs have to do and footballers understand that.
“And it might work out best for them. They might go somewhere else and get a better salary and then they get what they want and we got what we want with a player in a different position who helps with our squad and the balance of it.
“Let’s see how the next few weeks rolls by before the window shuts at the end of August. But I’d be pretty sure there’ll be some movement around our squad in the next few weeks.”