Sunderland will feel like it was a missed opportunity to go the top of the league, after the Black Cats were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend.

With table-toppers Portsmouth not playing due to international call-ups, Jack Ross' men could have gone to the summit of League One with a win over the struggling Chairboys.

But the Black Cats were left frustrated and salvaged a late point with Josh Maja's 10th goal of the campaigm, leaving the North East club sitting 2nd in the table, two points off Pompey.

There is no doubt that Sunderland remain strong promotion contenders - they have a core of a squad that can cause real problems for opposition teams - the likes of Maja, Dylan McGeouch and George Honeyman have all been magnificent for Ross' men this term.

The latter's form for the club hasn't gone unnoticed, with Championship side Sheffield United declaring an interest in the midfielder at the start of the month.

Here, we take a look at three potential replacements for Honeyman if he is poached in January.

Maddison was linked with a move away from Peterborough United throughout the summer, and in order to bolster their promotion push this season, perhaps Steve Evans may look to sell the playmaker in January.

The 25-year old has been sensational for Posh over the last few years, setting up 23 goals and netting 12 goals last season.

Having been brought up in Durham, a move back to the North East could be of interest to the player.

Sammie Szmodics is one of League Two's brightest prospcts, and has been very impressive for League Two side Colchester United this term.

The attacking midfielder has netted five times and produced three assists for the Essex side this season, and would add real trickery and pace in behind the striker - a role in which Honeyman usually operates in.

At 23, he has plenty of time to grow as a player, and he would be a shrewd signing for the Black Cats.

With Plymouth languishing at the foot of the League One table, surely a player of Graham Carey's quality won't be wanting to stay around for much longer?

The Irish playmaker has been sensational for Argyle over the last few years, and was an influential player in guiding the Pilgrims to promotion from League Two and playing an integral role in their play-off push last term.

Having scored 46 goals in over 150 games for Argyle, he'd be a fabulous signing for Sunderland.