"You don't want unhappy players" - Pundit tips forgotten Sunderland man for January exit | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has given his view on out-of-favour Sunderland midfielder Adil Aouchiche's future at the Stadium of Light.

Former England international midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sunderland may look to move out-of-favour midfielder Adil Aouchiche on in the January transfer window.

Aouchiche joined Sunderland from French side Lorient last summer, and while he was not always a regular starter, he enjoyed a decent first season at the Stadium of Light.

It was expected that Aouchiche would be a key player for the Black Cats following the arrival of Regis Le Bris, who he worked with during his time at Lorient, but the 22-year-old has surprisingly found himself out of favour this season.

Aouchiche has made just two appearances in all competitions this season, and he has not been included in the matchday squad since coming on as a late substitute in the 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in August.

Le Bris opened up on the absence of Aouchiche and his team-mate Abdoullah Ba last month, telling The Northern Echo: "It's a question of the dynamic, the momentum of the game - so we will see.

"Adil and Abdoullah are with us until the next transfer window, so they have my trust as players of Sunderland and players who have qualities to play and perform in the game.

"Because they had the opportunity to leave, they needed to reconnect to the project and I like their behaviour in the training sessions this week."

However, while Ba has been included on the bench again in recent weeks, Aouchiche remains on the sidelines, raising serious question marks over his long-term future at the club.

Carlton Palmer delivers verdict on Adil Aouchiche's Sunderland future

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer suggested that Sunderland could attempt to sell Aouchiche in January and use the funds to strengthen their squad for a promotion push.

"Sunderland will be looking to add to their squad in January if their present form continues," Palmer exclusively told Football League World.

"They sit top of the Championship at the moment with nine games played, they've won six, drawn one and lost two and they have 19 points.

"They've had a fantastic start to the season, but I think they will be looking to add to the quality of the squad, and that might mean one or two players leaving.

"One of those names being mentioned is midfielder Adil Aouchiche.

"He worked with the manager before, and Le Bris said it's a question of balance with his side.

"It was expected the Frenchman would play a key role in his side, but I suppose when the manager and player sit down and have a talk, it might be that he's allowed to move on because he's not getting game time.

"The manager is saying it's a question of dynamic and the momentum of the games at the moment.

"You need a squad, you need a big squad, and if Sunderland are to get promoted this season, they're going to need the squad they've got and they're going to need quality in that squad.

"I'm sure the hierarchy will be looking at the situation come January as to what they need to help them to push on and the manager will sit down with players who are not getting game time.

"You don't want unhappy players around the football club, if they're not getting game time and you're not going to be able to guarantee them game time, maybe it's better to move them on, free their wages up and bring in the players who can help you get to where you want to get to."

Adil Aouchiche's Sunderland exit looks inevitable in January

It is a surprise that Aouchiche is currently out of favour at Sunderland given his previous relationship with Le Bris, and while the head coach has left the door open for him to come back into the squad, it looks highly unlikely at this point.

Le Bris named two academy products, Zak Johnson and Tommy Watson, on the bench for the 2-2 draw against Leeds United on Friday ahead of Aouchiche, highlighting just how far he has fallen down the pecking order.

Aouchiche did show glimpses of his quality last season in what was a tough campaign for the Black Cats, and he could have been a useful option to have in the squad this campaign, but Le Bris has made his stance clear on the midfielder.

With Sunderland flying high at the top of the Championship, few would question any of Le Bris' decisions, and it seems certain that Aouchiche will be moving on in January.