Sunderland are in the running to sign a striker with two options explored, but one must be avoided.
The Black Cats have already strengthened at this early stage of the January transfer window with the loan signing of Enzo Le Fee.
Sunderland won’t be stopping there this window as Kristjaan Speakman will be keen to back French boss Regis Le Bris due to the very real possibility of promotion to the Premier League this season.
One area that will undoubtedly be prioritised for recruits is the frontline, with it being down to barebones amid the current absences of Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle.
Two names that have been uttered as potential options for the Black Cats in January are both Tom Cannon and Ben Brereton Diaz, however, Speakman must show a side of caution if he is to pursue a deal for one of these attackers.
Sunderland targets Tom Cannon and Ben Brereton Diaz comparison shows exactly who should be avoided
When looking at Sunderland’s criteria for an attacker this January, it is clear that either player ticks plenty of boxes.
For example, when it comes to versatility, which is something that would help amid current injuries, Brereton Diaz certainly fills that void due to his ability to be utilised on either wing, as well as through the middle.
At the Chilean’s peak, per SofaScore, he managed 22 goals in 37 Championship appearances in the 2021/22 season, something that would be absolutely massive to add to Le Bris’ side, if that is the form the Frenchman was able to get him up to.
However, with it looking likely to be a short-term loan, Le Bris will need a guaranteed goalscoring threat to add to his ranks, therefore he must turn to the man that is bang in form.
Brereton Diaz has spent one full calendar year playing Premier League football, from the latter stages of the 2023/24 campaign with Sheffield United, to this season so far at Southampton, and he has managed a total of six goals across the spells, however, not one of those finished have been tallied this season.
Cannon, in comparison, has been on form with Stoke City, bagging nine goals in 22 in the Championship.
Ben Brereton Diaz form should make Kristjaan Speakman’s transfer decision easy
Due to the nature of the loan deal set to be put in place, as highlighted above, Sunderland aren’t in a position to be taking on a player for six months with the hope of potentially nurturing and getting them back on form, they need results.
As a result, whilst Brereton Diaz’s Championship record certainly speaks for itself, it should be a no-brainer for Speakman to opt for Cannon in a loan move from Leicester City.
The Irishman has performed recently, and considering Brereton Diaz’s recent form, Cannon would be the man to turn towards for that guaranteed goalscoring threat.