Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has confirmed Aji Alese will undergo knee surgery and that the defender’s injury has opened the door for the likes of Le Hjelde to play. However, he would not be drawn on transfer links with Everton's Tom Cannon.

The Black Cats have been linked with a move for the striker, who has been recalled from a loan spell at Stoke, and Le Bris was asked if there were any transfer developments ahead of Friday night's game with Burnley. “I can’t speculate on speculation," the Sunderland boss said. "All I will say is I like good players.”

The head coach is preparing his team for a crucial Championship clash at Turf Moor and touched on player issues ahead of what is a huge game for both clubs.

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On Alese’s absence and Hjelde’s possible inclusion at Turf Moor, Le Bris said: “We have to wait for the surgery and the results so we will see then at what stage he is at. Leo could come in. Football is like that. You have to wait for your opportunity and probably it’s one for Leo. To be fair he has done very well so far. He is always connected with the team, he trains properly and he is a good player so now it could be an option for us.”

Le Bris spoke of Zac Johnson’s move to Notts County and the proposed move away from the club of Aaron Connolly who is reported to be on his way to Millwall.

“For both it is still a question of their own pathway,” said Le Bris. “I think you have your own pathway and the connection with the journey and the club. “This transfer window is an opportunity for both sides to decide if we can continue together or whether we have to choose another option.

“For example, for Aaron, it was clear from the beginning he wanted to play. But he couldn’t really build momentum because he was behind Wilson [Isidor] and Eli [Eliezer Mayenda] so we can understand the situation and if we can find the solution, which is positive for both sides, it’s possible to move forward.”

Harrison Jones could be moving on to Gateshead on loan but Le Bris commented: “Nothing is decided at the minute and we will see because we have to wait two weeks more and we will decide at the end what is the best option for players and the club.”

Le Bris was delighted that Salis Abdul Samed came through unscathed on his debut against Stoke City in the FA Cup and he smiled: “It was clear he didn’t play for six months. I think he enjoyed it and we enjoyed seeing him on the pitch but at the same time when you are not connected with this rhythm for a long period, you have to take time to build different layers to achieve playing at 100 per cent. He will need time to be at that level but at the same time he is good in training.”