Sam Allardyce believes Sunderland's Premier League survival could come down to how well they recruit in January 

  • Sam Allardyce has said: ''It (survival) all depends on your recruitment' 
  • Sunderland boss is looking ahead to 2016 in a bid to reshape his squad
  • The Black Cats are currently one point off bottom of the Premier League 

By Craig Hope for MailOnline

Published: 17:30 EST, 20 November 2015 | Updated: 17:32 EST, 20 November 2015

Sam Allardyce believes Sunderland's Premier League fate could depend on their January recruitment.

The Black Cats are one point off bottom and their new boss is already looking ahead to 2016 in a bid to reshape his squad.

'It (survival) all depends on your recruitment in the end,' said Allardyce, who could look to move on Jermain Defoe.

Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce faces a tough task to keep his side in the Premier League this term

Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce faces a tough task to keep his side in the Premier League this term

Allardyce could look to move on striker Jermain Defoe to fund a January spending splurge

Allardyce could look to move on striker Jermain Defoe to fund a January spending splurge

'I have always been of the belief that what you bring in to the football club has to be better than what you let go - that's the key, that's where success lies. 

'You can be the best manager in the world but if the players are no good you are not going to get the results you need. 

'The hardest part of the job today, no question about it, is finding the players who are good enough at this level. 

'Going forward, our selection in that area will have to be very, very good indeed. We are not going to be able to make any mistakes if we bring anybody in, starting in January.' 

Allardyce's former West Ham striker Andy Carroll, however, will not be following him to the North-East.

'If there are any rumours about Andy being transferred I haven't heard it and I don't think he is available,' he said. 

Defoe has scored six goals in 11 games in all competitions for Sunderland so far this season  

Defoe has scored six goals in 11 games in all competitions for Sunderland so far this season  

'I have also heard he likes living in London. He has got his new family there and a house and he is unlikely to want to leave. He is not available as far as I am concerned.' 

Meanwhile, Allardyce says those already on the books and out of contract in the summer should use their future as motivation in the fight to escape relegation.

'There are a number running out of contract and they have to earn the right to carry on their career at this level, to look after their families and to make sure they do the best they can for themselves and for this club,' he added. 

'This is a great football club and they should be proud to play here and should be fighting to earn another contract. That has to be enough motivation for them.'

Allardyce's former West Ham striker Andy Carroll will not be following him to the North-East

Allardyce's former West Ham striker Andy Carroll will not be following him to the North-East

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