Sunderland are currently stuck in limbo, unable to train and also unable to take to the playing field.

They have had their next three games postponed because of an outbreak of COVID-19 and the Academy of Light has been shut until at least the 27^th December.

Therefore, perhaps a dose of transfer news could bring supporters some light relief.

What’s the word?

It’ll be interesting to see how Sunderland go about their business once the January transfer window rolls around.

Of course, this is the first market that both Kristjaan Speakman and Lee Johnson have had to attack as a duo. They will, however, need to keep in mind the potential takeover that may happen within the next few weeks.

Irrespective of that, Speakman and the manager will have their own targets, one of which has now been revealed.

According to Gloucestershire Live, Sunderland are interested in signing Barnsley winger Luke Thomas. They face competition from Oxford United and several other League One clubs so it won’t be a straightforward pursuit.

It’s not known whether a permanent or temporary switch would be preferred but Thomas is valued at just £720,000 via Transfermarkt. He also currently earns a wage of £6k-per-week at the Tykes.

Bye-bye McGeady

The Irishman’s future at the Stadium of Light remains unclear since the new manager came in. Under Phil Parkinson he looked destined to leave but Johnson threw the experienced winger into his starting XI at the first time of asking.

However, Sunderland have a tight EFL salary cap to contend with and considering McGeady is still on £31k-a-week, he could be one of the first out the door. Signing another winger in Thomas, therefore, won’t help his cause at all.

Though, this shouldn’t be a bad thing, particularly because the 21-year-old would help give the Mackems something they desperately lack – pace.

Speaking last week about Jack Diamond and the upcoming transfer window, Johnson said: "When I was at Yeovil with my dad, he needed a stretch player and he signed a lad called Adam Stansfield for what turned out to be a bag of footballs, and he just enabled the rest of the players to play.”

Johnson continued: “That was the attribute I was looking for in our team, and it is well-known that we are looking for that type of player but, at the same time, if we have already got it in our ranks then there's no need to sign one."

Diamond has already scored under the new coaching team but it would be foolish to ignore the fact that Thomas is available.

He hasn’t netted this season but registered a haul of four goals and five assists in League One for Coventry in 2018/19. Crucially, however, is the youngster’s ability to stretch defences.

During that spell, Mark Robins noted: “He has got a lot of ability, with a lot of pace as well.”

Enough said, Sunderland need to sign Thomas next month. He could be game-changing in the race for promotion.

AND in other news, Sunderland ace with "fantastic strength" is the biggest winner from Johnson's arrival...