REGIS LE BRIS has held talks with the Sunderland hierarchy over the January transfer window, but does not expect there to be major changes at the turn of the year.

The Black Cats host Coventry City in their last game before the final international break of the year this afternoon sitting at the top of the Championship table.

Things could hardly have gone any better since Le Bris was appointed in the summer, meaning that while the Frenchman has spoken to sporting director Kristjaan Speakman about possible plans for January, significant transfer activity is unlikely.

“We have talks (about the transfer window) every day now,” said Le Bris. “We are having those discussions, although it is really still too early to define our expectations about what might happen during the next transfer window.

“We are still learning about the team and the squad every day, and we still need to find out the true potential of the team that we have. We have had many surprises so far, so we will see.

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“The core of the group is very strong. The experience is there, and the connections between the players are becoming stronger and stronger. If we have to add another player to the team, then it has to be right choice, and we are certainly not in a rush at the minute. It doesn’t feel like we need to make big changes, but we will see.”

Sunderland’s injury situation between now and the end of the year will influence January planning, and Le Bris also wants an opportunity to work with three of the summer signings that have barely kicked a ball since arriving on Wearside.

Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi are yet to make their Sunderland debut, and currently remain sidelined, while Ian Poveda has only made three brief substitute appearances since joining as a free agent in July.

“We should have two or three players that haven’t played so far available by January,” said Le Bris. “I would like to have Ahmed, Salis and Ian in the team because, so far, we haven’t really been able to see what they can do.

“If these three players are available, then the team should be even stronger. They are players with three different profiles to what we currently have. Then, we will also have to see whether or not we lose other players before January. Hopefully, that will not happen, but we will have to see.”