Four players Sunderland will try to sign this January - and three they absolutely won't

The January transfer window could prove to be something of a double-edged sword for Sunderland. On the one hand, this month will give them a chance to delve back into the market as they seek to reinforce their squad in vital areas ahead of a potential promotion push. On the other, with the likes of Jack Clarke, Dan Neil, and a plethora of other in-demand bright young things in their dressing room, things could get a little nervy between now and February 1st.

The coming weeks will also provide new manager Michael Beale with his first opportunity to make his mark on the squad that he inherited from Tony Mowbray back in December, and no doubt he will be eager to revitalise a number of positions, including the point of his attack.

But who are Sunderland likely to bid on, and who could pass them by? We've taken a look at a number of their potential targets below...

Amad Diallo

God, I hope I'm wrong. I really, really, really hope I'm wrong. But at this precise moment in time, I just do not see it happening. As much as I would absolutely adore Amad Diallo to return to Sunderland this winter, it just feels like too much of a long shot to pin any genuine hopes on. Whether it is because the Black Cats will presumably prioritise strengthening other areas of their squad, or because Manchester United decide he is needed at Old Trafford, it just feels as if there are too many moving parts and uncertainties at play for it to actually come to fruition. We can dream, but my expectations are low.

Yann M'Vila

Another pipe dream... maybe. Yann M'Vila has made it quite clear that he would happily return to Wearside, and would be willing to take a significant financial hit to do so. Certainly, the 33-year-old still has plenty to offer, especially for a side of Sunderland's calibre, but whether he would be affordable, even with that philanthropic streak he has been espousing in the press, remains to be seen. This doesn't have the feeling of a Kristjaan Speakman signing, and for that reason, we have to believe it isn't happening until we see the scarf pic. And even then I might have to pinch myself.

Ali Al-Hamadi

An Iraqi international who has been banging in the goals for AFC Wimbledon, Ali Al-Hamadi is likely to be very in demand amongst ambitious EFL clubs this month. Sunderland have been quietly named as possible admirers, but whether they would be willing to gamble on a League Two striker to solve their own centre-forward issue remains to be seen.

Mao Hosoya

Sunderland need a striker in January. Hell, they might even need two. Either way, Mao Hosoya has been touted as one potential solution to their goalscoring woes. The Japanese international has 14 goals in 34 outings in the J-League this season, and at 22, is very much within the age bracket of a typical Sunderland signing. Japan is a largely untapped market with some immense talent operating within it, and don't be surprised if Speakman and co. have got one eye on East Asia.

Jay Stansfield

Jay Stansfield was heavily linked with Sunderland over the summer, but the Fulham youngster eventually ended up joining Birmingham City on loan. The 21-year-old has since hit seven goals and two assists for the Blues, but there are rumours abound that he may be recalled by his parent club with view to sending him back out on loan at a promotion-hunting Championship side. If that does happen, expect the Black Cats to be in the running.

Alan Virginius

Another name that is already being touted in relation to the Black Cats is that of French winger Alan Virginius. If Sunderland are to win the race for the 21-year-old, they will have to fend off considerable interest from the continent, however, including Swiss outfit Young Boys. Now, granted, I have just said that a move for Amad feels improbable because Michael Beale's men are unlikely to prioritise the signing of a wide man in January, but if that wide man were available on a permanent transfer and at the right price, perhaps that could change things.

Andrey Santos

Sunderland love an incoming loanee. Chelsea love an outgoing loanee. This could be a match made in heaven. Andrey Santos has been recalled from his temporary stint with Nottingham Forest by the Blues after it became apparent that he wasn't going to get the necessary game time aid his development, and it is not out of the question that he could be sent to the upper reaches of the Championship for the second half of the season. Sunderland are already being mentioned as a possible destination, and this could be on to keep an eye on.