DAVID MOYES has admitted he will be unable to sign players that will make a “big difference” during this month’s transfer window.

Moyes is working under strict financial restrictions as he looks to improve his squad before the end of the month, and while he has made a number of approaches in the last seven days, a transfer breakthrough is not imminent.

There has been an inquiry about Norwich midfielder Robbie Brady, and Moyes is also monitoring Phil Jagielka’s position at Everton, but it is proving hard to complete a deal with funds at a premium.

Moyes remains confident he will be able to add to his squad before the transfer deadline on January 31, but has delivered a brutally honest assessment about the quality of player he is likely to be able to attract.

“I think I’d be kidding you on if I told you that the players we’re going to bring in in January will make a big difference,” said the Sunderland boss.

“First of all, we probably couldn’t get that level of player. Secondly, we probably wouldn’t have the finances to do that. I think to suggest that the players we’ll be bringing in will make a big difference wouldn’t be correct.

“I think the players that did come in at the same time for Sunderland last year did make a big difference and did a good job.”

Having already signed Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar as free agents, Moyes has admitted he may have to delve into the same market in order to secure reinforcements.

“I’m not saying we won’t get players who can go straight into the team,” said Moyes. “I think it just depends a bit on the quality and what’s available. I’d say we’ll probably be looking at loans and free agents as well.

“You’ve just got to trust me that I’ll be generating and finding ways to try to balance the books the best I can.”

Sunderland head to West Brom tomorrow, with Moyes hoping that Anichebe, Pienaar and Jack Rodwell could yet thrust themselves into contention. Javier Manquillo will not be part of the squad, however, after picking up a calf injury.

“Javier has picked up a bit of an injury that I need to check out,” said Moyes.  “He was getting a scan yesterday on his calf. Apart from that, we’re probably as we are.

“Victor has done a bit of training and Steven has done a bit of running. Jack Rodwell did a bit of training yesterday, so there’s a chance I could maybe get one or two of those back.”