David Moyes has reportedly put a block on Sunderland's traditional Christmas night out and instead asked his players to involve their wives and girlfriends.

The Black Cats returned to the foot of the Premier League table at the weekend following a 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, making it just three wins all season.

According to the Daily Mail, Moyes is keen to keep his squad focused on the task in hand over the coming fortnight as he prepares for games against former club Manchester United on Boxing Day and Burnley on New Year's Eve.

Moyes has not completely scrapped the festive get-together, however, with the same report suggesting that Sunderland's players can still plan a night out in the North-East with their partners in tow in the hope that it will be more of a low-key affair.

Prior to their hectic Christmas fixture programme, Sunderland face Chelsea and Watford in back-to-back games at the Stadium of Light.