'No discussions' - Sunderland boss says Yann M'Vila is not a target

Looks like there is no reunion between Sunderland and Yann M'Vila in the works this January.

Sunderland have not ‘discussed’ the possibility of signing Yann M’Vila this month, Michael Beale has said.

M’Vila is a free agent and has been linked with a return to Sunderland, where he had a successful loan spell earlier in his career.

He has also been openly feeding the rumours himself, saying the Black Cats are the only club he’d drop into a second tier division for.

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Sunderland need a new defensive midfield player as well, which has only fuelled the rumours even more. However, Beale poured cold water on the M’Vila link after the defeat to Hull.

“Yann M’Vila? It’s nothing that I’ve discussed in house," he said.

Sunderland, like most clubs, have endured a frustrating transfer window so far and are still waiting to make their first breakthrough.

There doesn’t appear to be anything on the horizon either, which is sure to lead to even more frustration in a fanbase who are already calling for Beale’s sacking just seven games into his tenure as head coach.

“There’s one or two areas we’d like to strengthen, but it’s a difficult window and we’re not the ones with the biggest pockets in that window in this division," Beale said.

"We’ll see. We’re working really hard behind the scenes, and we’re trying to bring players in, but I think we’re going to have to be a bit patient.

“My focus as the coach of the team has to be on the players that are in house and not waiting for people to come in from outside to solve it.

“If people arrive, fantastic. But if they don’t, then I have to get more out of this group, for sure."

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