Kristjaan Speakman explains Sunderland's stance on…

Kristjaan Speakman explains Sunderland's stance on free agents now the transfer window is shut

Sunderland will keep tabs on the free agent market now the transfer window has closed - but Kristjaan Speakman says the Black Cats do not 'need' any more additions. Sunderland were trying to bring in more reinforcements on deadline day, but did not manage to get any deals over the line.

But, while the club will see which out-of-contract players are still available, sporting director Speakman insists he and new head coach Tony Mowbray are happy with the squad they currently have, and there are no gaps they are desperate to fill. "We are not picking at the free agent market like 'we've got to find a player'," said Speakman.

"Naturally, we'll pick it up like we did last year and see who is available, but we don't need any [more] players. At the same time, we are always vigilant and if we can improve, then we'll always want to improve."

Sunderland were understood to be looking at bringing in another goalkeeper to work with number one Anthony Patterson and his current deputy Alex Bass, a centre-back, and another striker as backup for Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms, during the window. But as things stand, Speakman says the squad has enough flexibility to cover those positions, for instance with midfielder Luke O'Nien proving himself a more than competent central defender, while German winger Leon Dajaku and on-loan Manchester United wideman Amad Diallo are capable of playing through the middle.

Sunderland also have young goalkeeper Jacob Carney and striker Max Thompson who could be promoted from the Under 21s, if necessary. Speakman said: "We think we've got loads of flexibility in the group.

"You've got Ross and Ellis who are out-and-out number nines, then you've got Amad who has come in, Leon can play up there, and then we have got some younger ones underneath if we feel the time is right or the opportunity is there then are more than happy to play those boys if they are doing what we need them to do, which is to show that appetite to develop and grow. The external view is always 'have you got the right balance, have you got the right players', and the expectation is that as soon as you get one injury you buy another player but that is just not reality.

"We feel we have tactical flexibility, personal flexibility, so that we can get through to the next pitstop in January. We have to see these players play.

"We have to see Aji Alese play, he's got to have that opportunity, we can't just keep filling that spot in front of him."

Sunderland brought in four young players aged 20 or under towards the end of August - Diallo, France U19 international Edouard Michut on loan from Paris St Germain, Costa Rica international Jewison Bennette, and France U19 international midfielder Abdoullah Ba from Le Havre. Speakman says all four will be part of Mowbray's first-team squad, although he knows they will have to prove they are worthy of a place in the side.

He said: "They are first-team footballers. If you look at the CVs of those players that have come in, there are two French internationals, one boy is going to the World Cup, and one is on the fringes of one of the top sides in European football.

"It's like anything, when the team is performing, they have to come in and work their way into the team, and they have to be able to show the coaching staff that they have what it takes to get a starting spot. We want that competition.

"There have been times when every fit professional we have had got into the matchday group. We need some that aren't getting in the group to give that competitive spirit, both to get in the XI and in the matchday 18."

Kristjaan Speakman explains Sunderland's stance on free agents now the transfer window is shut

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