SUNDERLAND are keen on strengthening in three positions this month, with the Black Cats targeting a striker, a versatile forward and a midfielder.

Regis Le Bris had previously made it known that adding to the attack was the priority in the January transfer window, but the head coach yesterday revealed that the club are also in the market for a midfielder.

It comes after injuries to Alan Browne and Chris Rigg left the Black Cats short in that area of the pitch. And while Salis Abdul Samed is now back in full training and expected to make his debut in the FA Cup tie against Stoke City next week, Le Bris is keen to ensure he's got enough cover in midfield to see Sunderland through the second half of the season.

Le Bris also outlined his attacking hope, with a striker and a versatile forward also on Sunderland's wishlist.

He said: "At the minute we only have two midfielders available at that level. We can develop other players like Milan [Aleksic] but he needs time to develop at that level. So we still have an eye on this part of the pitch.

"A striker, a versatile forward - we don't know because the market is still unpredictable."

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Another priority for Sunderland this month is ensuring they keep hold of their star assets, and while Le Bris knows he can't make any guarantees, he's confident key players will remain on Wearside.

"It [transfer interest] is an option when young players are playing such good football.

"Probably some of them can be targeted for huge, massive clubs. But at the same time for them they can understand the dynamic and where they are today is positive for their improvement.

"Beyond just their own career, it's what they can share with teammates. It's a human journey and they're enjoying it.

"It's good news that there's interest from other clubs, but at the same time they're really involved in our project."

And Le Bris believes the fact key players are happy and developing well at the club will help in their efforts to add to the squad.

He said: "It's not common to find this feeling in a group. Football is different now.

"It's really difficult to create a shared project. It's good for the players in the squad now and very positive for the players who could be involved. But they have to know this is a non-negotiable rule to be connected with us."