Valentin Roberge is set for a loan switch to Ligue 1 side Reims according to reports from across the channel.

The reports claim that Roberge - who was cryptically described as 'unavailable' by Gus Poyet for the last two games - is in France now undergoing a medical.

Roberge leaving isn't a big story in itself. He has struggled to come to terms with the sheer physicality of the Premier League and it has looked inevitable all summer. The story lies in what this would mean in terms of incoming.

Discounting Mobido Diakite who is set to cancel his contract and move on a free, Sunderland would be left with just six defenders - one short of Gus Poyet's stated ideal of seven. Perhaps then, there is some kind of plan in place to add a second defender today after Sebastian Coates? One to watch, certainly.