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Monday Blues
It's the penultimate Monday of the January transfer window 2017 and still there are no imminent sign of an arrival at the Stadium of Light, nor any frantic gathering of photographers outside the gates to the academy to welcome a new player holding a scarf aloft.
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Whilst our relegation rivals are putting the finishing touches to their survival bidding - Middlesbrough, Swansea, Crystal Palace and even Hull have been active in the market - Sunderland are assessing the fitness of Joleon Lescott and set for talks with Robbie Keane - fifteen years after originally wanting him.
The scale of the task should not be underestimated. Robbie Brady has already decided against a move to Sunderland according to The Sun. The Republic of Ireland international is likely convinced he would be plying his trade back in the Championship next season if he moved to the Stadium of Light. There will be more like him put off from coming here yet.
Here's tonight's transfer update.
Kara Mbodj - Not for sale, or loan
Sunderland were linked with Anderlecht defender Kara Mbodj over the weekend. The rumour seems to have originated in Spain and was picked up by the Newcastle Chronicle yesterday.
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The links appear to have been based on the fact the player had suggested he would be open to a move to the Premier League and that Anderlecht were willing to allow him to leave on loan with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer. Swansea, Southampton, Middlesbrough and Sevilla have also been credited with interest in the 27-year-old.
The gossip hasn't gone down well in Belgium however with Mbodj a stalwart of the side who currently sit in second place in the Pro League. Anderlecht are locked in a tight battle at the top just two points behind league leaders Brugge.
Mbodj is currently competing in the African Cup of Nations for Senegal and this morning reports in Belgium have quoted daily newspaper La Dernière Heure as stating in its print edition that the player will now not be allowed to leave Anderlecht in this transfer window.
West Ham - No move for Jagielka, Sunderland now favourites?
West Ham have ruled out a move for Everton defender Phil Jagielka according to the Daily Mail. The Hammers were thought to be rivaling Sunderland for the veteran centre-half's signature.
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Goodison boss Ronald Koeman confirmed that the 34-year-old can leave Everton this month having seen his first team opportunities diminish this season.
With West Ham ruling out a move, David Moyes will now anticipate that Sunderland are in pole position to land the former England defender. And not a moment too soon with the news Papy Djilobodji may find himself banned for up to four games dependent on an FA panel which will rule tomorrow on his apparent strike out at Darren Fletcher on Saturday.
George Honeyman - Time for a new deal?
George Honeyman has been Sunderland's stand-out player in the last two matches. He was the only decent player in a white shirt At Turf Moor in the FA Cup on his full senior debut, and he gave another good account of himself in a pink shirt at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
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Many had expected that the 22-year-old might be given his career kick-starting opportunity elsewhere as it looked like the bench might be the pinnacle of his Sunderland journey.
Prior to last Tuesday's cup tie at Burnley, Honeyman had been an unused substitute on seven occasions in the Premier League. And despite a constant turnover in the middle of the park, and crushing injuries to central midfielders, it appeared as if a run in the first team would be a step beyond the Prudhoe-born academy graduate.
But injury to Jack Rodwell afforded him a chance in the cup and he impressed David Moyes to such an extent that Honeyman was given his full Premier League bow for the trip to West Brom; and as his more seasoned teammates stunk out the West Midlands with their own gripes and with a couple having one eye on a move elsewhere, Honeyman shone.
The young midfielder is out of contract in the summer and a few clubs are thought to have enquired about taking him in the January window. David Moyes might just offer him a new deal yet. He could be worth it.