In a somewhat interesting development, Ahmed Elmohamady has rejoined Hull City on loan for the rest of the season.
The winger was recently recalled from the KC Stadium and thrown back into the Sunderland matchday squad, and Martin O'Neill later insisted it was highly unlikely he would be allowed to leave again whilst the squad was so stretched for numbers.
So the question must be, what has changed?
With plenty of time left to squeeze in another signing, this will surely, and understandably, lead to speculation that O'Neill is close to pulling a late rabbit out of the hat.
Who, or even what, that could be is anyone's guess right now. Local press reports have been insistent that a new right back has been on the agenda, but Elmohamady is principally an attacking player and it is very much in that area where Sunderland are looking short given the departures of Louis Saha, Fraizer Campbell, and the apparent likely loan exit of James McFadden.
The fact it is a loan deal makes it especially curious, given the player could have left for the Championship on loan after the deadline.
It would be fair to say that this is a departure that has very much ignited a little deadline day interest on Wearside. Only time will tell if it is warranted.