Sunderland have reportedly ruled out buying new players in the January transfer window.
The Black Cats have been linked with a loan move for Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso, who joined the Italian side from Bolton Wanderers during the summer.
However, BBC Sport reports that owner Ellis Short is not looking to invest in the team, so manager Gus Poyet would have to sell players to generate funds for new personnel.
Sunderland currently sit bottom in the table, but are unbeaten in their last three outings.