Gus Poyet has conceded that it will be "difficult" for him to add to his Sunderland squad during the January transfer window.
The Black Cats manager recently made it known that he was keen to secure the services of a new centre-back.
However, when asked if any deals were close to completion, the Uruguayan played down the chances of any potential arrivals at the Stadium of Light this winter.
"I think it depends. January is difficult. There needs to be a lot of things coming together. It's difficult for everything really," he told the Sunderland Journal.
Poyet is thought to have tried to sign Swansea City defender Ashley Williams during the summer, but a move never materialised and he is not expected to return for the Wales international this time around.
