Sunderland have been in brilliant form so far this season and sit in second place in the League One table with 17 games played.

Portsmouth top the table but are just two points ahead of Jack Ross' side, with Barnsley and Peterborough United staying in close quarters as well.

There have been plenty of standout performances in the side with attackers Josh Maja and Chris Maguire shining in front of goal, whilst the back four of Adam Mathews, Tom Flanagan, Jack Baldwin and Reece James have formed an impenetrable defence.

But there is still more that could be done with the squad.

Opportunity for improvement is not far away with the January transfer window opening in just over a month, and managers across the Football League will be eyeing up potential targets as well as choosing who to chop.

Here, then, are the realistic deals we can see being struck at the Stadium of Light this winter...

One player who will surely be on his way out is left-back Bryan Oviedo.

If the 28-year-old could recapture his best form he would be the best of his trade in the league, but that has not looked like happening and it is just not worth retaining him on the wages he takes.

Sunderland will most likely cash in on him.

One player that they may well be looking at is Peterborough United's Marcus Maddison.

The winger has been consistently brilliant in the third tier over recent seasons but has fallen out of favour under Steve Evans.

Taking one of their promotion rivals' most talented players away from them would be a very good move as well.

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