Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is pleased with the scouting structure now in place.
The Black Cats are likely to move again in January to strengthen the group, but with Ellis Short keeping a close eye on the bottom line, it may be the loan market which provides an opportunity for them.
He told the Evening Chronicle: "I think that is something we've improved on and I think (sporting director) Lee Congerton has talked about that in the past.
"There were players who were on loan here last season that it was very difficult to do (sign permanently). There were too many when there wasn't even an option. We can go through Ki, Fabio and Marcos Alonso.
"At the end of the day, the three of them are not here. Of course, you can't put in a £30million option.
"But I think now we are a bit more covered in those situations and it will be easier if they go alright."
