Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is ready to go on a spending spree next month.

The Daily Star Sunday says O'Neill is preparing to spend in January with a centre-half and a powerful midfielder his main targets.

The Black Cats boss has been linked with a previous target - Spurs central defender Michael Dawson.

He could also rekindle his interest in West Ham's Mohamed Diame, 25, who was out of contract at Wigan in the summer before heading for Upton Park.

O'Neill also wanted Spurs' former England schemer Jermaine Jenas, 29, in the last transfer window.

Man City's Swedish striker John Guidetti is also a loan target.