REGIS Le Bris admits any signings Sunderland make in January need to be ready to make an instant impact in the second half of the season.

The coming transfer window isn't the time to bring in players who will be developed for the future, says the head coach, who believes the Black Cats instead need to be guided by the example of Chris Mepham, who arrived in the summer ready to instantly play his part.

"It's that type of target, I agree," said Le Bris, who has previously stressed that Sunderland will be prioritising quality over quantity in January.

"The team is very well balanced at the minute.

"We have many injuries but we can expect some will be available soon.

"If we want to add something to the team it should be someone ready to play and who can make a specific impact right now rather than take time to develop that player.

"It should be the type of target like Meps was at the beginning of the season."

Mepham has established himself as a hugely important figure for Sunderland since arriving from Bournemouth on a season-long loan in the summer.

It's common-place for clubs to have a January recall clause in season-long loans but Le Bris isn't concerned about the prospect of Mepham returning to the south coast.

He said: "At the moment there's been nothing specific [in terms of conversations].

"He's with us and I trust him for the second half of the season."