Sunderland have reportedly tightened the purse strings ahead of the January transfer window.
Sunderland will be doing their January shopping on a budget, according to chief executive Martin Bain [Sky Sports].
That perhaps would not have been so big an issue, had the Mackems not pulled out of a proposed free transfer deal for last season’s loan star Yann M’Vila, after the midfielder informed them he had experienced a change of heart regarding a return to the Stadium of Light.
Alternatives are likely to be few and far between, with most European contracts not expiring until the summer, but the lone market could provide some sanctuary for Sunderland manager David Moyes – and an opportunity in that department could be about to arise.
According to Moyes’ Chelsea counterpart, Antonio Conte [Metro], the Blues are considering loaning out Ruben Loftus-Cheek in January – and the Black Cats should use Wednesday’s meeting between the two teams to get in there ahead of a string of likely suitors.
The England Under-21 star is already said to be courting interest from West Ham United [Telegraph], although given the two clubs’ fractious relationship, that is a prospect the Blues will perhaps wish to avoid and could work in Sunderland’s favour.
Similar in stature to M’Vila, Loftus-Cheek has the potential to do the Frenchman’s role and then some – with his record of five goals in 13 international appearances suggesting he would be more of a goal threat than the former Wearside favourite.
However, with Adnan Januzaj and Jason Denayer already on loan from Premier League clubs, Sunderland would first need to send one back (or buy one outright) in order to free up space for another temporary arrival.
It could be an option worth taking.
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