Sunderland manager David Moyes admits that if he had known he would have limited funds to work with in January, he may not have taken the job.

The club's chief executive, Michael Bain, revealed this week that the former Manchester United manager would be working within tight financial constraints over and after the Christmas period as the club looks to reduce a £140m debt.

While the club looks to also keep their £73m wage bill within Premier League remuneration cap rules, Moyes says the restrictions on bringing in players would have cast the job in a different light.

"Managing Sunderland always had an appeal to me but, if I’d known about the financial situation, I’d have needed to look at it in a different way," conceded Moyes.

"I’d have had to have thought a lot more about taking the job. I didn’t see us having no money in January. I’m disappointed I won’t be able to do some work in January and build on what we’ve done so far."

Sunderland have lost their last two games on the bounce, including a defeat at fellow strugglers Swansea. Image:  Nick Potts PA Wire/PA Images

Sunderland host Watford on Saturday afternoon and sit bottom of the table, four points from safety.

"It’s a bigger challenge than I thought because of the situation the club are in and the situation I’ve been put in.It's a bigger job than I expected. I didn’t know the club could be going up for sale. I wasn’t made aware of it before.

"I knew what we were spending in the summer was small in comparison to other clubs – and I said that to the owner but I didn’t see us having no money now. I hoped we’d get things done in January but that has shown itself not to be the case. But I’m going to move on. I’ve dealt with it in my head and we’re getting on with it."

Moyes added: "We’ve got some serious injuries and we're very short, particularly in central midfield, but we have to say: 'Let’s pull together and give 100%'.

"Patch yourself up whether you’re injured or not and get out.Sometimes that can galvanise you."