Regis Le Bris issues Sunderland AFC transfer hint | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris has opened up on Sunderland's January transfer strategy

Régis Le Bris has opened up on Sunderland’s January transfer plans as the club looks to push for promotion to the Premier League.

The Black Cats have enjoyed a positive first half of the campaign so far, but recent form has seen them fall behind their rivals for a top two spot.

With the winter market set to open in just a few weeks, this could be an opportunity for the Wearside outfit to regain ground on their rivals with one or two additions.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman will likely be heavily involved in any potential recruitment next month.

Sunderland’s January transfer plans

Le Bris has confirmed that attack will be an area of focus when looking at their January recruitment plans.

He believes their options in defence and midfield are strong enough to continue with, but that extra firepower up front may be needed.

"We have many competitive players in the back four, goalkeepers we have no problem,” said Le Bris, via The Northern Echo.

“Midfielders it depends on who is available but if everyone is available we don't have many problems.

“It is probably at the top of the pitch that we have something to expect.”

Le Bris’ involvement in Sunderland recruitment strategy

Le Bris has also revealed to what extent he is now involved with Sunderland’s transfer strategy.

The Frenchman has claimed that he has done a lot of preparation with Speakman over profiles of players that he likes, which will be taken on board by the recruitment team.

"We have done a lot of work on the profiles I like as a head coach and how I can define this for each position,” he added.

“So it was a question of sharing these ideas and discussing them.

"We shared this with the recruitment staff and the coaching staff, and discussed how we can combine these different points of view to ensure we are really connected.

"Now we will have different profiles to assess. It is easy to find our weakest position right now but things can change, so it will be more intense [closer to the window]. But our thoughts on these [initial] profiles are very clear."

Sunderland are fourth in the Championship table ahead of Saturday’s 12.30pm clash at home against Stoke City.

January business could be crucial for Sunderland’s season

The January window will be a massive period for the top sides in the Championship given how tight things still are for the automatic promotion places.

If Sunderland want to remain in that mix, then some attacking additions might be needed, as recent form has seen them fall behind after initially leading.

Injuries have hampered the team, and Le Bris will be hoping that clears in the coming weeks.

But some added depth in the final third could be what they need as well to get back into proper contention.