SUNDERLAND have come to a January decision on Adil Aouchiche, with the Black Cats willing to let the forward leave the club this month if the right opportunity presents itself.

Aouchiche looked set for a January exit for most of the first half of the season but then featured prominently throughout December after Sunderland suffered a string of injury setbacks.

At that stage, Le Bris was reluctant to sanction an exit for the former PSG youngster, saying Sunderland would wait until late in the window to make a decision on Aouchiche's future.

But with Enzo Le Fee able to play on the left side of the attack, Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle to come back from injury and Sunderland still looking to add a versatile forward to their ranks before the end of the window, the Black Cats won't stand in Aouchiche's way this month if a suitable deal is presented.

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As was the case with Aaron Connolly, Le Bris has been honest with Aouchiche, who knows game-time will likely be hard to come by once injured players return and the attack is bolstered by a new face or two.

Le Bris said: "With Adil, it's still open and it's exactly the same case as Aaron. We want for both sides, Adil and the club, we want to open up different options and at the end we will decide what is the better option for the both."

Meanwhile, Sunderland continue to explore options for Abdoullah Ba, who has been told he can leave the club this month.

Ba doesn't feature in Le Bris' plans. The winger hasn't played a single minute in the Championship so far and has only been named in the matchday squad on six occasions.

Le Bris said: "With Abdoullah, it's clear that he needs game time so we are searching for a solution for him."