Sunderland may not have made much progress in terms of incomings but one player who January could revolve around is Aiden McGeady.
The winger is up for sale and one suitor are League One rivals Blackpool, but other interest comes from clubs higher up the ladder.
It’s been noted that a few Championship clubs are also keen on the 33-year-old who looks destined to leave the Stadium of Light in the coming weeks.
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With the transfer window now three days old, it looks as though the former Celtic man has played his last game for the club. However, the fact that he could be out the door is a worrying sign, especially after latest developments.
McGeady had been ever-present under the reign of Jack Ross, and the Scot undoubtedly got the best out of him with 14 goals and six assists in 40 games last season. It was form that earned him the Player of the Year award, but things haven’t worked out under his successor.
While moving on a player who has been a negative influence is a positive step, there is a sense that Sunderland may not reap the full rewards from letting him go.
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Given his history as a former Champions League player, he will be amongst the highest-paid members of the squad, and that means his exit should free up funds for Phil Parkinson to strengthen.
However, any money brought in is expected to be restricted by Stewart Donald. The fact the club has been linked with the likes of Hakeeb Adelakun and Antoine Semenyo as possible loan replacements for the Irishman is evidence of that.
Considering Sunderland’s lowly league position and the need for reinforcements, such a strategy signals a lack of ambition from the north-east outfit, and it is Parkinson who will ultimately suffer by losing his six-goal man without being able to sign an adequate replacement.
He has struggled so far with just three wins but it seems that he will be unable to build upon his recent good work – going four games unbeaten – and the decision to let McGeady go could ultimately come back to haunt him.
Donald needs to back his manager if he is going to stick with him, otherwise, he faces the potential for further backlash, with fans not long ago discussing the prospect of holding protests against his ownership.
Meanwhile, there has also been news of another possible departure at the club, with Blackpool taking an interest in Will Grigg.
