Kone and Ndong CAN still leave in January – Si

Simon Grayson is confident that Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong will continue to show a positive attitude after the transfer window shut without any bids for the pair materialising.

The Black Cats boss is aware that there may well be movement when the market opens again in January, and has told the pair to perform from now until then.

He will, however, make a late call on their involvement against Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon after the pair completed a demanding travel schedule to fulfil their international duties.

He said: “I spoke to them both in the lead-up to the Barnsley game and said, ‘Look, we’re very open with the situation – if we get an offer in and you want to leave, if it’s acceptable to all parties I’m sure it will be considered. If it doesn’t happen I would like you to be dedicated, get your heads down and work hard and we’ll see what happens in January.

“Both were really positive in what they wanted to do and I think their performances up to deadline day suggested that. They both were very good and having good players is going to benefit us.”

“Speaking to them before the start of the season and throughout, I just keep telling them to play well because I said before deadline day that if players are playing well other clubs are going to show interest and be attracted to these players,” he added.

“They’ve done well but if they want to leave the club in January their performances will decide that.

Grayson admits he was well aware of the reputation of players in the Sunderland squad after their tame relegation last season, and was keen to move on the likes of Wahbi Khazri and Jeremain Lens before the end of the summer window.