Sunderland manager David Moyes has revealed that the club do not have sufficient finances to bring in players on loan deals next month unless they reduce the existing wage bill first.
The Premier League's basement side will have restricted activity in the transfer market due to its £140m debt and the Financial Fair Play rules on wages.
The Black Cats brought in six new players - plus three on loan - over the summer, but Moyes thinks that it is unlikely that he will be able to strengthen when the transfer window reopens in January.
"As a football supporter then you want to be told and kept updated," he told the Sunderland Echo. "You know you won't get everything but at least people know that we are not out there in the market looking for lots of players to change things around. That is not possible.
"It is sometimes difficult to explain it properly, it is not necessarily that we need lots of millions of pounds. At the moment we can't even bring a loan player in because of our wage position unless something else changes. Until that does then that is where we are at."
Asked where he would strengthen the side if he could, Moyes outlined midfield and defence as his main priorities.
"Because we have lost so many midfield players I would a type of midfield player, experienced, who can pass and make us play, that would be my preference," he added. "If I couldn't get anything like that then I am always looking for young players that we can develop and make better.
"Also, I have to think about a centre-half if we are to lose Lamine Kone to the Africa Nations. That is where my head is at the moment."
Sunderland could move to within one point of safety with a win over Watford at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.
