Black Cats fans in the Tavern are urging David Moyes to bolster the lacklustre Sunderland midfield during the January transfer window, but who will the manager buy?
The relegation-threatened North East club are in dire need of a turn in fortune and David Moyes must bring in fresh faces to strengthen the team to help them avoid the drop.
Those on Wearside currently sit in the relegation zone of the Premier League and, with just 4 wins all season, they look odds on to fall into the Championship.
Sunderland fans in the Tavern were impressed with the recent home draw against Liverpool where the team showed great resolve and spirit to come from behind twice to earn a draw.
In February, they face Crystal Palace, Southampton and Everton in what are must win games for Moyes’ men. The Black Cats are clearly over-reliant on Jermain Defoe and must look to improve the overall team, with the priority being in midfield and defence.
They lose midfielders Wahbi Khazri and Didier Ndong to the African Cup Of Nations in January. David Moyes also has long-term injuries to Duncan Watmore, Lee Cattermole and Jan Kirchoff, leaving them worryingly short in the middle of the park.
So, which players should the under-fire manager sign in January? Here in the Tavern, we think it should be one of these.
MOHAMED SISSOKO
The Mali-born defensive midfielder, formerly of Liverpool, Juventus and PSG is currently out of contract.
At just 31, Sissoko could be a smart move to add immediate Premier League experience to the Sunderland midfield.
He’s been there, seen it and done it across the continent and could provide some much-needed experience to the midfield ranks.
FRANK LAMPARD
The former Chelsea legend and MLS star is being touted for a Premier League return and would add real quality and goals to the Sunderland midfield, even though he is now 38.
An ambitious move perhaps, but the Black Cats need to aim big if they really are going to stave off relegation once again.
Would be a huge signing.
DARRON GIBSON
The combative Republic Of Ireland midfielder, with a keen eye for goal worked with Moyes previously at Everton. Gibson currently finds himself out of favour at Goodison Park and surely could do with a change of scenery.
Able to dictate play from deep, he’d certainly provide Sunderland with an extra dimension.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK
The Chelsea midfielder is currently behind Nathaniel Chalaboah in the pecking order at Chelsea and could be available to loan in January as the England U21 player seeks first-team experience.
Despite playing at Stamford Bridge for a number of years now, the 20-year-old is somewhat of an unknown quantity and could provide a much-needed spark at the Stadium of Light.
Black Cats fans, what do you think? Let us know below.
