Sunderland enter the final week of the transfer window with just two signings under their belt. The Black Cats have had a somewhat underwhelming January transfer window, with teams such as Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth spending big money compare to the Wearsiders, much to the frustration of the Sunderland faithful.
Jan Kirchhoff, Steve Harper and Dame N’Doye have arrived this month, with Kirchhoff the only player to cost the club money at £750,000. Sunderland have also let the likes of Costel Pantilimon, Danny Graham and Will Buckley leave this month, creating a gap in the wage bill for Sam Allardyce to use in the transfer window.
With finances evidently not being made available from owner Ellis Short, and Financial Fair Play to contend with, Read Sunderland take a look at five possible targets for Sunderland as the winter window comes to a close:
Nemanja Vidic
The Serbian international is surprisingly available on a free transfer after he came to an agreement with Inter Milan to terminate his contract earlier this month. The 34-year old is currently looking for a new club and would welcome a return to England, the place where he made his name with Manchester United.
The Black Cats are still evidently lacking in the central defensive area and Vidic would add experience and quality to the squad. There are question marks over the Serbs fitness, with the centre-back yet to make an appearance this season. However, the deal would represent good value for money for Sunderland and would be received well by the fans.
Peter Crouch
A player who has fell down the pecking order at Stoke City in the twilight of his career. Crouch still has plenty to offer any club and has still managed two goals in the cup for Stoke this season in 10 games.
Despite turning down the Black Cats in 2009 due to location, Crouch would probably jump at the chance to test himself on Wearside at this stage of his career under Sam Allardyce. A mouth-watering English partnership with Defoe and Crouch could also prove to be Sunderland’s catalyst as they push for survival.
Mathieu Debuchy
The right-back has been linked with a loan move to Wearside this week having found first-team opportunities tough at Arsenal this season.
The right-back slot has been a tough one to fill for Sunderland this season, with Billy Jones and DeAndre Yedlin failing to impress, whilst Adam Matthews has been troubled by injuries since his £2-million summer move from Celtic.
Debuchy would offer Sam Allardyce a cheap alternative and has undoubted quality, as he showed during his time at neighbours Newcastle United.
Emanuele Giaccherini
The little Italian is on loan at Bologna from Sunderland and has been in fine form. Hopefully, Allardyce has an option or can find a way to recall Giaccherini as the club cry out for a creative midfielder.
Riza Durmisi
A name not known by many. The left-back is an upcoming talent from Denmark, with the 22-year-old eager to test himself in one of Europe’s big leagues. Sunderland need left-back cover for Patrick Van Aanholt, and could even use both and see the Dutchman push up into a more attacking role in the team.
The youngster from Brondby has 85 career games to his name with six goals and would likely be a cheap risk for Sunderland.