Deadline day is upon us, with just hours remaining before the January transfer window closes for Sunderland and clubs in the EFL, Premier League, and across much of Europe. After weeks of rumours, speculation, and chasing shadows, this is the time when backs are against the wall, push comes to shove, and deals are done - or sometimes not.
Buying clubs that have been haggling for the best deal, and selling clubs, players and their agents who have been holding out for more money, are now up against the clock with tonight's 11pm cut-off looming large. At the Academy of Light, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman , head of recruitment Stuart Harvey, and head coach Tony Mowbray, will be working flat out to bring in the players Sunderland need to sustain and strengthen their play-off push.
The Black Cats have picked up two crucial injuries in the last week with influential midfielder and captain Corry Evans ruled out for the remainder of the season with cruciate ligament damage, while the Achilles injury picked up by star striker Ross Stewart in the weekend FA Cup tie at Fulham was a devastating blow. Our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter takes a look at the state of play as Sunderland go into deadline day, with a reminder of who has arrived, who has left, and the potential deals that could be done before the window closes.
