With just 10 days left of the January transfer window, it's going to be a hugely important time for Sunderland in their bid for promotion back up to the Sky Bet Championship.

After picking up just one win in their last five league games, fresh faces will definitely help in getting them back on track in the race for automatic promotion. The North East club currently sit 3rd in the League One table, three points off of Luton Town with a game in hand on the Hatters.

Manager Jack Ross has already started to bolster his squad with the loan signing of Jimmy Dunne from Burnley, but with top goalscorer Josh Maja still mulling over a new contract extension, it could be a busy couple of weeks at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland fans will be praying that they can keep hold of their 16-goal ace, as they look to return to the second tier at the first time of asking this term - but there does need to be a Plan B if the 20-year-old does indeed leave.

Here, we take a look at three transfer deals Sunderland need to be considering, as deadline day approaches...

Marc McNulty

With primary transfer target Will Grigg ruled out with an ankle injury, it looks like Ross will now have to focus on other attackers, as a potential Maja replacement.

McNulty has been a name linked with a move to the Stadium of Light - the Scottish forward has endured a tough time at Reading this season, scoring just one goal in 15 games in all competitions for the Royals.

But the 26-year-old was unstoppable for Coventry City last term as they won promotion from League Two via the play-offs, and after scoring 28 goals in 52 games for the Sky Blues, the forward is more than capable of finding the net in League One.

Mo Eisa

Should a move for McNulty fail to materialise, then perhaps Bristol City's Mo Eisa could be of interest to the Black Cats.

The 24-year-old is another player who has endured a tough time in the Championship following a summer move from League Two, where the striker was mightily impressive last campaign. He scored 25 goals in 50 games for Cheltenham Town in what was his debut season in the Football League.

But Eisa has since made just one start for Lee Johnson's Robins, which came in the Carabao Cup in August. A loan move away from Ashton Gate could be beneficial for the pacey forward, and he definitely deserves a chance to shine in League One.

Ryan Yates

As well as their striking options, perhaps another midfielder could be of interest to Jack Ross, whose side have lacked any real creativity and energy in midfield since the injury to George Honeyman.

A box-to-box midfielder could be of use to Sunderland, and Ryan Yates would fit the bill massively. The Nottingham Forest youngster has made just two appearances for the Reds this term and looks increasingly likely to depart the City Ground on loan this month.

He was integral on loan at Notts County and Scunthorpe United last season, and also looked set to move to Sunderland's promotion rivals Portsmouth, however, a move has since failed to materialise.

He'd be an incredible signing for the Black Cats.