Sunderland manager David Moyes is weighing up a move for Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley, but has already been given some good news in the transfer window after it emerged England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could be playing again before the end of the month.

Moyes had expected to be without his first-choice goalkeeper until the middle of February, but he is recovering quickly from the knee injury he suffered against Manchester United on Boxing Day.

As a result, Moyes has pencilled in a return in the last week in January as long as there are no setbacks in his rehabilitation.

“Jordan is doing well and we think he could be ahead of schedule,” said Moyes. “We certainly don’t think it is going to be eight weeks. He feels good, but that can only be really tested once he’s back at it.”