Sunderland desperately need to bolster their options during the January transfer window.
FA Cup weekend provides some respite for the Black Cats. They are currently bottom of the Championship, two points off safety and now have to cope without their top goalscorer with Lewis Grabban returning to parent club Bournemouth.
Signing a new striker will surely be on Coleman’s mind, but he is clearly also keen to bolster his defensive options. Sky Sports reports that Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Clarke-Salter on loan, and the move is expected to be finalised on Sunday.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Bristol Rovers, making 13 appearances in all competitions for the Gas. And Coleman will undoubtedly be hoping that he can step up and give the Sunderland defence more quality.
Clarke-Salter was part of the England side that won the under-20 World Cup in 2017 and has featured for the Blues’ first-team this season, so he clearly boasts a significant amount of potential, and he will undoubtedly need to demonstrate all of that potential in the coming months.
Sunderland no longer need to worry about the FA Cup after losing their third round tie to Middlesbrough, but face a crucial month in the league with both Hull City and Birmingham City – who occupy two of the other bottom four spots – ahead in their next three games.
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