Chris Coleman reveals what 'brutally honest' Martin Bain told him about January transfer budget

The Sunderland boss took over a fortnight ago, tasked with the job of guiding the Black Cats away from the relegation zone.

Having left his role as Wales manager, many observers thought Coleman must have been offered assurances about the budget available to him in the transfer window.

However, the 47-year-old says it was made clear to him from the outset of negotiations with cheif executive Martin Bain that he may have no funds to work with next month.

Speaking on BBC Newcastle's Total Sport, Coleman said: "Martin was brutally honest with me and said there is no money guaranteed for January.

"Depending on if we do lose a player or receive money for a player or players, then it's very possible that we can reinvest but that's not to say there's not going to be nothing either.

"I wasn't promised a transfer kitty in January to go and buy A, B and C. He was brutally honest with me - there may be no money in January to go and reinvest but that doesn't mean we can't go and strengthen the squad with some loan deals.

"I'm OK with that - as long as there's transparency. The worst thing you can do is lie to the supporters and say there's money if there's not.

"I came here on the understanding that January, there's possibly not any money to invest in the squad. I know where I stand but that's not to say something couldn't happen."