However, the winter window is notoriously difficult to complete business with clubs reluctant to lose players midway through the season.
One way around the difficulties of the market could be to sign players that are currently unattached to a club or target players who will see their current deals expire in the summer.
The latter one is usually the way clubs go in January, eyeing ways to get cut price deals for players that sides don’t want to lose on a free transfer in just a few months time.
With that in mind, here, we take a look at 13 players that, according to Transfermarkt, are either currently a free agent or will be one in the summer if they do not extend their new deal.
Would you like to see any of these at Sunderland? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts:
1. Lyle Taylor - contract expiring
Sunderland fans will know Taylor for starting as Charlton Athletic striker in their meeting at Wembley in the 2019 League One playoff final. Taylor is now at Nottingham Forest but has yet to feature under Steve Cooper in the Premier League and averages a goal every four games in the second-tier of English football. Photo: Chris Brunskill
2. Graziano Pelle - free agent
The former Southampton striker spent five years in China after leaving St Mary’s, before making a brief return to European football with Parma in 2021. He’s been without a club for over a year since leaving the former Italian giants. Photo: Gabriele Maltinti
3. Sergi Canos - contract expiring
Canos has found game time at Brentford limited this season but has proven his Championship credentials with both the Bees and Norwich City. The 25 year old is a useful option on both wings and would add experience to the Black Cats squad. Photo: Julian Finney
4. Jose Izquierdo - free agent
Izquierdo showed his quality during his early seasons at the Amex Stadium - but fell out of favour under Graham Potter. A tricky winger, Izquierdo is someone that will get fans off their seats. Photo: KURT DESPLENTER