Sunderland’s transfer business could be about to heat up as they approach the final two weeks of the window.
The Black Cats have gone quiet since signing Blondy Nna Noukeu at the start of the month, with their pursuit of a striker yet to come to an acceptable ending.
Sunderland will be under pressure to act in the final weeks of the window though, while they could also face significant interest in their own prized assets.
While they will be eager to keep hold of the likes of Trai Hume and Jack Clarke, they are reportedly now also looking to offload some players too.
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Timothee Pembele expected to leave Sunderland
Regis Le Bris has confirmed that the club will now look to offload one player who has struggled to impress since his arrival last year.
When asked about Timothee Pembele by the Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: ““Yes, we are looking for a possibility of a loan for him.”
The Frenchman is yet to make it into Sunderland’s squad this season and was once again left out completely in the Carabao Cup defeat to Preston North End, wih Zak Johnson starting at right-back instead.
Pembele was handed a few starts at the back-end of last season and looked to be improving, but his performances in pre-season have forced him further back.
Sunderland now need to bring in a new-right back
The 21-year-old proved last season that he is much more affective going forward if he has three centre-backs behind him. However, defensively, he is a bit all over the place.
With Le Bris opting to play four at the back, Pembele can’t really be relied upon and hasn’t exactly seemed like a safe back-up option for Hume.
Sunderland clearly agree and believe Pembele will benefit from a loan, given that he is still very young and has plenty of room to grow.
It means that the Black Cats will desperately need to bring in a replacement though, as Johnson certainly isn’t ready for that challenge either – especially given that he is a natural centre-back.
The Wearside outfit should look to an older, experienced full-back who can help Hume improve and also play second fiddle.
The Northern Ireland international is one of Sunderland’s most important players, so they certainly can’t afford to replace him with someone significantly worse if he was to pick up an injury.