Sunderland

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Edward: Need a winger who can create in the final third and a midfield player who can step into our captain's role. We would be crazy to let Isidor go without replacing him with another striker.

Simon: As always, the positions that need strengthening are the hardest, in January especially: out wide and up top. So realistically we will stick with what we have got. Disappointed to lose Neil but that's football. Similar with Patterson, good luck to both. Must keep Cirkin in my view.

Luke: We've had a great season so far but I think a few new faces night freshen things up! Maybe a loan to cover the loss of Xhaka and a right winger. Geertuida might be going to Liverpool so will need a replacement..

David: What needs to happen in this window? Very little other than continued planning for the summer and a more difficult second season. Changes up front and out wide are needed to add more goals to the side. Harsh but at this level Isidor, Mayenda and Mundle have it all to do. Looks like we could need an Anfield-bound Geertruida replacement too.

Stephen: Sunderland is adopting a calm, strategic approach and it's testament to what they've achieved in the Premier League this season that there's been no need for panic buying and they can remain calm.

Terry: What about signing Raheem Sterling?

Ask us questions about Sunderland and we'll put them to our experts

Image source, Getty Images

From the outset of the window, Regis le Bris has made it clear Sunderland may not be doing much business this month.

Two or three maximum incoming and perhaps a few more outgoings as the Black Cats look to move on the likes of Ian Poveda and Abdoullah Ba.

To that end, they have already been able to shed themselves of Joe Anderson to Barrow and Timothee Pembele on loan to Le Havre.

Arthur Masuaku has joined Lens on loan, and one must assume that is a move engineered with the aim of making it permanent in the summer, and Dan Neil has effectively called time on his Sunderland career with a loan move to Ipswich Town until the summer, when he becomes a free agent.

That is a move which perhaps jars with fans in that Neil is Sunderland through and through and many have expressed their disappointment he was never given a chance in the Premier League.

It's a good move for Neil, though, to a club on the cusp of a possible return to the top flight, and they play a brand of football which plays to Neil's strengths.

Timor Tutierov has joined League One Exeter City until the end of the season, which is a great development move for the Ukrainian, who has hit the ground running in the West Country.

Liverpool's move to sign defender Lutsharel Geertruida, on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, did not come off so he will stay at the Stadium of Light.

Meanwhile, Adil Aouchiche is likely to be recalled from Aberdeen and move permanently to Schalke, and the Black Cats are hoping to set up a loan for Leo Hjelde to Sheffield United.

As for those incomings. There's no doubt Sunderland are in the market for wingers and a forward, but as Le Bris was at pains to point out, they cannot afford a "ready-made" player in those positions.

Their market, in line with the identity of the club, is young players they can develop, and Brian Brobbey was offered as a good example - a raw 23-year-old on the up who hopefully Sunderland will polish and sharpen.

In that vein, 20-year-old winger Jocelyn Ta Bi joined from Israeli side Maccabi Netanya earlier this month, and he is seen as one for the future.

Keeper Marcus Ellborg, 22, has also arrived for £3m from Malmo as back-up to Robin Roefs.

January is generally not the month to spend because clubs are mindful they hold all the cards.

Sunderland may yet be tempted to sell someone like Wilson Isidor or Romaine Mundle, but the price will have to be right, and they won't be allowed to go if Le Bris doesn't feel he has sufficient replacements.

Explore Sunderland content on BBC Sounds

I relegated Wolves a few weeks back now - and I am afraid to say I think Burnley are down now too.

They performed with great spirit against Spurs when I was at Turf Moor last week, but it was another game they did not win.

Clarets boss Scott Parker said afterwards they need to change draws into victories, and of course he is right - but doing that is clearly difficult for them.

They were 2-1 up against Tottenham and so nearly got over the line for the first time since the end of October - but then came Cristian Romero's late equaliser, and you start to think they are never going to manage it.

Burnley have won only three league games all season, and one of them came at home to Sunderland in August.

The Black Cats will be without Granit Xhaka again, which is a big blow - they certainly missed him at West Ham.

But Sunderland's home form is still so impressive, and it would be a major turn-up if they dropped points here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

See how Sutton has done across the rest of the weekend

Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.

The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.

It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

Get alerts and keep up to date with all the latest news, insight and fan views for your club

Sunderland, Tottenham and Leeds United are monitoring Real Madrid's 19-year-old Brazil forward Endrick, who is impressing on loan at Lyon. (Fichajes), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Burnley are looking to complete their first league double over Sunderland since 1972-73 on Monday night. However, these two promoted sides have experienced contrasting fortunes since the Clarets won 2-0 at Turf Moor in August.

Stuttering Sunderland still have records in their sights

Sunderland's fantastic first half of the season has been tempered by two defeats in three matches, as many as in their previous 13. Head coach Regis le Bris lamented last week's performance away to West Ham as being "too far from our standards"; Sunderland were, unusually, outfought – a 42.3% duel success rate was their lowest of the season.

Nonetheless, the Black Cats are yet to fall to consecutive league losses this season and are the only side in the division still unbeaten at home. Their 11-match run without defeat equals the longest by a promoted team from the start of a Premier League, set by Ipswich in 1992-93.

The only promoted side to have a longer unbeaten home spell at any stage of a Premier League season is Birmingham City, spanning 15 games in 2009-10.

Notwithstanding their current wobble, a Sunderland win on Monday would put them on course for one of the highest Premier League tallies by a promoted team in a 38-game season.

Battling Burnley falling behind

Ten points from safety before the weekend, Burnley's immediate return to the Championship looks inevitable. They're still fighting – drawing five of their past seven league matches – but have gone 14 without a win since October. The Clarets have only once endured a longer top-flight winless run: 19 games, which ended way back in 1890.

The 2-0 home win over Sunderland in August is one of only six league fixtures in which Burnley have led this season. Too often, Scott Parker's side have been left playing catch-up – they have trailed in 19 matches, drawing five and losing 14.

Tottenham's late equaliser last weekend was the seventh league goal conceded by Burnley in the 90th minute or later this season. It leaves Scott Parker with a record of 12 wins, 44 defeats and 55 points from his 75 Premier League matches as a manager – only Mick McCarthy had a worse record at the same stage.

Image source, Getty Images

Melker Ellborg says "it feels amazing to have signed" for Sunderland for £3m on a deal until summer 2030.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper joins from Malmo and has Champions League and Europa League experience with the 24-time Swedish champions.

"The past few days have been enjoyable," Ellborg said. "From learning about the interest, getting to know the club and the people, and finalising the move.

"The club has had an excellent season so far, and I'm incredibly happy to be part of this journey.

"I'm aware of Sunderland's history, and it means a lot to be part of something with such a rich tradition. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone at the Stadium of Light on Monday and hopefully playing in front of the fans soon."

Ellborg is not eligible to face Burnley on Monday.

It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 GMT.

How would you assess Sunderland's window? Do you think any position needs more attention? If so, give us names of who should be brought in. And what about who needs to go?

Get in touch with your views here

Watch former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett discuss potential replacements for Granit Xhaka in Regis le Bris' midfield after his captain was ruled out for "three or more weeks" with an ankle injury.

He believes the the versatile Lutsharel Geertruida - a right-back by trade - could step into the role vacated by Xhaka, and dismissed the possibility of Trai Hume moving into a central position.

The Black Cats host Burnley on Monday (kick-off 20:00 GMT.

"I'd bring in Geertruida," Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle. "I was surprised he didn't start against West Ham, and even more surprised he didn't get on.

"He hasn't let anyone down, he's versatile, can play as a centre-back, left-back and right-back, and he's played that holding role before.

"Him not playing against West Ham makes you wonder if something has gone on."

Keep up with interviews, analysis and reaction on the Sunderland feed on BBC Sounds

Sunderland and Everton are showing an interest in Chelsea's 19-year-old England Under-21 forward Tyrique George. Clubs in Spain, France and Italy are also following him. (Sky Sports), external

Meanwhile, Sunderland have offered forward Wilson Isidor to Serie A side Napoli. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Burnley at Stadium of Light (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Captain Granit Xhaka "is doing well" and "will have an assessment" on his ankle this afternoon "to define the next stage of his rehabilitation." Le Bris expects him to remain sidelined for "three or more weeks".

• He said it is "still possible" that "one or two players" may leave before the transfer window shuts on Monday "as they need more minutes" than what he can offer them.

• On any possible incomings: "We don't need to rush anything. We are happy with our squad. If we can reinforce our squad, then we will try."

• When pushed, Le Bris said "it is possible" that they will sign someone as "the end of the market is always more active".

• He said "the lads trained well" this week after a disappointing defeat at West Ham last weekend and he expects to see a reaction on Monday.

• More on bouncing back: "It is always the case. Emotions are there when you lose but we have had time to recover and reset. I hope we will be at our best."

• On opponents Burnley: "They are struggling in the league, but they are doing well. They drew three games in a row and deserved two wins I think after reviewing the games. They have an efficient high press so key moments will define this game. We need to defend well."

Listen to Le Bris speak to the BBC

Ask us questions about Sunderland and we'll put them to our experts

Former Sunderland midfielder Martin Smith talks with Colin White about the futures of Romaine Mundle and Eliezer Mayenda.

Are they playing for their Sunderland futures?

"On the wing situation, it's one of those things where Mundle has had the opportunities but it hasn't quite worked for him but he's another lad who has been injured.

"Him and Mayenda are battling for a summer future between now and the end of the season."

Explore Sunderland content on BBC Sounds

Former Sunderland defender Danny Collins has spoken about midfielder Dan Neil leaving the club after 18 years.

The 24-year-old former captain, who made 201 appearances for the Black Cats, has joined Ipswich on loan until the end of the season - when his Sunderland contract expires.

"Unfortunately for Dan it [the Premier League] was not meant to be. He has a lot of football left in him and ahead of him," said Collins, who also played for Ipswich.

"He goes to a good club in Ipswich, which will help him get back to the Premier League."

Listen on BBC Sounds, external

Sunderland have played down reports 20-year-old Spanish forward Eliezer Mayenda could be allowed to move to Paris FC. (The I paper - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland defender Arthur Masuaku has joined Ligue 1 side RC Lens on loan for the rest of the season.

Since joining the Black Cats in August 2025, the 32-year-old defender has played four times for the Wearside club.

The DR Congo international spent five years at Lens' academy and joins the French side in their pursuit of the Ligue 1 title.

Lens currently sit in second position in the league and are two points off league leaders Paris St-Germain.

Image source, Getty Images

Dan Neil's 18-year spell at boyhood club Sunderland has come to an end as he joins Ipswich Town on loan for the rest of the season.

The Wearside club confirmed the 24-year-old's contract will not be extended when it expires in June 2026.

"I'm proud of what we achieved during my time at the club and for playing my part in taking it back to where it belongs - the Premier League," said Neil.

The midfielder made his debut for Sunderland aged 16, and went on to captain the Black Cats back to the Premier League, before Regis le Bris gave Granit Xhaka the captain's armband.

Neil added: "Captaining Sunderland was a boyhood dream that came true, and as a supporter for life, I'm excited to see what's next on the journey."

Making his debut in September 2020, South Shields-born Neil appeared 201 times for the club, scoring 12 goals.

Ex-Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He needs to be playing football at his age. He has had such a good run, he has captained the club over the past couple of seasons to great achievements."

Listen to more analysis from Lee Cattermole on BBC Radio Newcastle

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Saturday afternoon was probably the worst we've had this season. To be blunt, we were rubbish.

We're allowed the odd off day, though, aren't we? No team is perfect. We were tipped for a spectacular struggle this campaign, yet we're still the only unbeaten home side in the division. That's why, five minutes after the final whistle, I could shrug it off and look ahead rather than dwell.

Until heavy defeats become routine, I won't panic. This isn't pontificating - it's just my default stance as a Sunderland supporter. I take that role seriously, often to my detriment, but I'll always back the club and its decisions when I believe they're made in good faith.

Regis le Bris got it wrong at London Stadium - it's rare to say that, but fair's fair. When the team news came out, nothing alarmed me. It'd be easy now to claim he shouldn't have started Trai Hume on the right or Eliezer Mayenda up front, but hindsight's cheap. The lineup looked attacking, designed to take the game to West Ham early - that was surely the plan.

What we did, unusually under this manager, was take a gamble. We hoped to catch them off guard with an unexpected approach. As ever, things were spoiled the night before when it leaked that Granit Xhaka wouldn't start. The club tried to bluff by posting videos of him on the train and using his image to promote the match, but by then the news had spread - and you can bet it reached West Ham.

They pounced like hyenas smelling blood, knowing our talisman was absent. That's what worries me about the coming games. With Xhaka on the pitch, opponents fear us; without him, we're undeniably weaker.

A heavy defeat refocuses everyone. We won't panic or make rash transfer moves over one game, but it's often said you learn far more from losses — and this one will be no different. Questions over certain players may have been answered, and any hesitation about signing an experienced midfielder might now be gone. Seeing how desperately we missed Granit has surely underlined the need for more options to finish strongly. We'll see.

It's a long week until Burnley. After a tonking, a quick turnaround helps put things right, and I bet the players are itching to get back out there. Meanwhile, the Academy of Light will host big changes, with popular figures like Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson expected to move on. Their departures seem inevitable. While we must focus forward, losing two well-liked lads could affect the dressing room. Their team-mates will be upset, but it's part of growing as a club - we have to move on.

Hopefully, even better players arrive to replace them and settle as seamlessly as the summer signings did.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between West Ham and Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

West Ham fans

Joe: After seeing that performance, I think we have a great chance at another great escape. Solid and positive performance makes me think we can have a good end to this terrible season. Crysencio Summerville is a menace and our defence is acting right. Hope is back in East London.

Colin: This was the first day West Ham played like West Ham. Quick on the break and slick in passing. Is it a new dawn, or false hope? Fingers crossed it's the former.

Ian: This performance and result has been building for a few weeks. Barring some bad, and some dubious calls, we would have won away at Brighton and at home to Nottingham Forest. The work rate, movement and directness has all improved. A long way to go but some small shoots of hope now!

Peter: This is what we have been waiting for. The team took just a few minutes to settle, then gave the Irons fans 40 minutes to savour. The second half began worryingly with a return to dithering and more negative play. Sunderland had 15 minutes on top, but it never felt like they would score again until injury time when both teams hit the woodwork. It was was great to see a match where football was the winner.

Sue: What an improvement. The players seemed to know where each other were and attacked more. If they keep playing like that they will get out of trouble.

Sunderland fans

Adam: Very poor. We clearly lacked Granit Xhaka's leadership. Poor line-up and need improvements. Still an excellent season, but hopefully just a minor bump in the road.

David: The wrong selection and wrong formation. We'd almost lost the match before kick off with that combination of players starting. West Ham probably couldn't believe their luck at how disjointed and lacking in cohesion Sunderland were. An avoidable bad performance which makes it very frustrating as points were dropped unnecessarily.

Kev: Bad day at the office. But having said that, Romaine Mundle and Eliezer Mayenda offer nothing to the team. I feel sorry for Wilson Isidor as he should play with Brian Brobbey. He can drop deep, use his pace and leave Brobbey up on his own while supporting. Trai Hume had a mare. Onwards and upwards. One poor performance is nothing to worry about.

Colin: Got exactly what we deserved. Even though our best player wasn't playing this is no excuse as we can not rely on one player all the time. We take it on the chin and move on.

George: All too often Hume is a liability. Poor passing coupled with too much shirt pulling. Petulance and arguing with officials is too common among others.