Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has claimed that his club must enter the transfer market next month as they look to avoid being in the relegation battle in the latter stages of the season.

The Black Cats have won just two of their 16 Premier League games this season, but Poyet remains unsure whether the club's hierarchy will be willing to spend money when the transfer window reopens in January.

"If we don't get more quality in, it will be 38 games and 38 points. If we lose two or three, everyone will start panicking and having heart attacks. 38 points from 38 games is not good enough for me. That is what we got last year," the Sunderland boss told reporters.

"I want more quality. Do I think I'll get it? I don't know. You know what is missing. It is clear what we need to do. That is down to recruitment."

Sunderland are currently 15th in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone.