SUNDERLAND could receive a timely boost ahead of the opening of the transfer window – even if Jack Ross has admitted he is not losing any sleep over what might happen in January.

The Black Cats have learned that Didier Ndong, who was released by the club in October after a protracted wrangle over his contract, is closing in on a move to Russian club Rostov.

If that deal goes through, after weeks of him trying to find a new club from his base in Gabon, Sunderland will receive £3.5m in compensation courtesy of the agreement they reached with the player last month.

Ndong has been training with a club in his homeland but has found it hard to find an employer permanently because of the compensation fee. However, he is still only 24 and showed glimpses of his potential when he was on Wearside following his £13.6m move two years ago.

He didn’t have any interest in playing in League One and has spent the majority of this year looking for a possible route out of Sunderland. If Ndong does end up joining Rostov, who are sitting fourth in the Russian league, that will further help Sunderland’s finances as owner Stewart Donald continues the push to realign the cash flow.

Ross knows there is not much money left flying around for him to reinvest in the squad because the wage bill is still huge compared to the rest of the division.

He still has big earners such as Lee Cattermole, Bryan Oviedo and Aidan McGeady in his ranks, and they take up a sizeable chunk of the wage bill despite the departures of Ndong and Papy Djilobodji.

Ross has hinted that more players could still leave if the right offers come along, but he is more concerned about keeping Sunderland heading in the right direction.

He is confident, though, that Donald will be doing what he can to help Sunderland maintain their positive start under Ross.

“When I first started management, I had a chairman in Mike Mulraney (at Alloa), who always said if I had opportunities to move, just bear in mind, the relationship you need to enjoy with the chairman,” said Ross.

“I have always had that in mind when I have made moves. That was the same here when I came to Sunderland.

“Stewart, Charlie Methven … I enjoy their company on a personal level, not just work. They are very different characters, but they have a really good balance.

“Stewart is a really good guy, you know what you get with him, we are very open in our communication. I have just got on with the football side of it and that’s how I like it.”

It is that relationship which will be crucial come January if Sunderland are looking to make additions – or sell to fund further signings. Ross insist that he will not be worried either way, as he is confident in maintain the bright start.

Ross said: “We had a huge period of work in the summer, a transitional period and a big turnover in players. I am blessed with a balanced squad, the way they work.

“There is maybe one or two areas we would like, but that’s still six weeks away and it’s hard to see what you want. I am satisfied with what the squad has given us so far.

“There is a reality to that if you are playing well you players can attract attention, it is not something I need to worry about. I have had it before, like Lewis Morgan who went to Celtic.

“Naturally if you are doing well then they will attract attention. I don’t worry about the problem, it is all about fixing the problem. If I lose three star players in January for financial reasons then I have to replace them. That’s it. I accept that as the situation all day long.”

Sunderland head into today’s visit of Wycombe looking to make it nine wins in a row and if they achieve that then they could climb to the pinnacle of League One.

There are no fresh injury concerns either for Ross to worry about.

The Sunderland manager said: “We want to be top, I have never shied away from that from day one of being here.

“That’s not because I think we have a divine right to be there, every game has been incredibly difficult.

“It would be a step forward, psychologically it would be another good reward for the players. The only time it really matters is the latter stage of the season but it would be a nice boost for us to go that extra place and lead from the front.”

And he also thinks that leading the promotion charge from the front would be a reward for the fans who have regularly turned up in their thousands home and away.

Ross said: “It’s been remarkable all season, it has never stopped amazing me. I have never been blasé about the numbers we are getting. It emphasises to us the responsibility we have on our shoulders to represent those supporters and to try to reward them on a weekly basis.

“They deserve credit for their loyalty, we have rewarded them so far and we have had a lot of good days at home and away. I would imagine the numbers will increase at home and I expect the numbers to continue away.”