Gus Poyet has confirmed that Sunderland are close to finalising their plans for the January transfer window.

The Uruguayan is eager to freshen up his squad as the Black Cats look to avoid being in a relegation battle in the latter stages of the season, and he has hinted that a number of arrivals are likely in January.

"We've been watching a certain quantity of players in certain positions for a while," Poyet told the Sunderland Echo. "Now, it's time to meet.

"Last year, we put a timescale on when we would start moving forward.

"So, in the next two or three weeks, we'll start getting in contact with clubs and agents and see where we get to."

Sunderland are currently 14th in the Premier League.