Sunderland AFC: Update on Jewison Bennette's potential January exit | OneFootball

Bennette could potentially make a move away from the Stadium of Light during the January window.

Sunderland winger Jewison Bennette is "likely" to leave the club during the January transfer window.

This report, which has come from the Sunderland Echo, won't come as a surprise to many, considering the Costa Rican hasn't been able to establish himself as an important first-teamer during Regis Le Bris' time at the club.

The void that Jack Clarke created with his departure has been filled by Romain Mundle, who looked particularly good during the early stages of the season and could prove to be a real asset for the Black Cats in the coming years.

Patrick Roberts, Tommy Watson, summer signing Ian Poveda and Adil Aouchiche can also operate out wide - and Eliezer Mayenda has also been played as a winger by Le Bris.

The likes of Watson and Poveda may be out injured at this point, but the chances of Bennette becoming a key player are slim, with the South American failing to feature in a single league matchday squad this season.

During the summer window, he was linked with a move to League One side Reading, but that move didn't materialise in the end with Rob Couhig failing to get his takeover of the Royals over the line.

The feeling at the SoL is that Bennette will leave the club during the winter window.

This is according to the Sunderland Echo, who have also reported that the wide player has signed a deal with agency Link Sports, a company who could help him to secure a move away from Wearside.

Whether he will leave permanently or on loan remains to be seen though.

The Royals may have been able to recruit Chem Campbell on loan, but he's only on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers until January and it's unclear whether he will have his loan extended.

Even if they manage to keep Campbell for the remainder of the season, the Berkshire side could still benefit from having Bennette, with their lack of squad depth and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan's injury in mind.

It may take a little while for Bennette to get up to speed - but he could be a real asset in the third tier when he manages to regain his sharpness.

That could make him a great loan addition for Noel Hunt's side, but it remains to be seen whether they can get a deal over the line.

This could also be a good opportunity for Bennette, with the Royals competing for a play-off spot against the odds.