GUS POYET is ready to offer Anthony Reveillere a contract extension that would see the French full-back extend his stay at the Stadium of Light beyond the end of the season.

Reveillere signed a short-term deal to the end of the current campaign last month, and has rapidly established himself as an integral member of Poyet’s first-choice back four.

Despite having spent the majority of his career at right-back, the 34-year-old has slotted seamlessly into the left-back role after a serious injury to Patrick van Aanholt left a gap in the Black Cats defence.

His versatility is a major part of his appeal, with his experience and leadership qualities also endearing him to Poyet and his coaching staff, who have been impressed at the speed with which Reveillere has acclimatised to life in the Premier League.

Despite only agreeing the defender’s initial deal a month ago, thoughts are already turning to the end of his contract and there is a desire to retain his services for at least another season.

A new round of discussions could take place before the end of the January transfer window, with Reveillere likely to be receptive to the offer of an extended stay on Wearside.

The former France international had been a free agent after being released by Napoli at the end of last season, and is enjoying an unexpected renaissance almost 17 years after making his professional debut for Rennes.

With van Aanholt not expected to be available until mid-January at the earliest, Reveillere is likely to remain in the first team for at least the next few months.

He will find himself lining up against an attack that features the in-form Diego Costa and Eden Hazard at the weekend, with Sunderland taking on Chelsea at the start of a daunting three-match run that will also see them line up against Manchester City and Liverpool in the space of seven days.

The run is reminiscent of the spell towards the end of last season that saw them tackle Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in quick succession, and Connor Wickham is hoping this week’s run of games proves equally successful.

“We had the same situation last season, but we managed to pull off something remarkable there,” said the striker. “We aren’t going to fear anybody, and we know we can do it from our performances last year so we just need to play the way we have been playing and hopefully it’ll happen again.”

Last weekend’s goalless draw with Leicester means Sunderland have failed to score in three of their last five matches, and Wickham insists there is a need to start relaxing when chances present themselves in front of goal.

“We just need to get that final touch or final ball,” he said. “The gaffer has emphasised that over the course of the season because we have probably had too many draws which we could have won.

“If we can start taking our chances and relaxing in front of goal, we will be able to pick up more points soon enough.”

n Sunderland’s development team will take on Villarreal and Celtic in the Premier League International Cup at the Stadium of Light next month, with season-card holders able to gain free admission to the ties. The under-21 team will face Villarreal on Wednesday, December 10 (7pm), with Celtic visiting Wearside on Thursday, December 18 (7pm).