Sunderland’s striker search is intensifying ahead of deadline day. But which striker Kristjaan Speakman temps to Wearside, if any, is a mystery.
Sunderland find themselves in an all-too-familiar situation ahead of the January transfer deadline, with the Black Cats rather frantically searching for a new striker.
Kristjaan Speakman deserves huge praise for his work in the transfer market, but consistently he fails to bolster the striker position with Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda being Regis Le Bris’ only options right now.
Sunderland are linked with several attackers right now. Le Bris has suggested that Sunderland aren’t necessarily in for a no.9, but more of a vertical threat who could also play on the flanks.
No.9s continue to be linked though. Names on Sunderland’s transfer radar include former Middlesbrough man Chuba Akpom, Preston’s Emil Riis, and Westerlo striker Matija Frigan among a few others.
Expect the club to have a long list of potential signings ahead of the February 3rd transfer deadline. But one name who may soon be taken off the list is Celtic’s Daniel Cummings.
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Daniel Cummings to be offered new Celtic contract
Sunderland were linked with Cummings before the January transfer window. The 18-year-old has turned heads with Celtic’s B team this season, scoring 25 goals in 26 games in all competitions. He made his senior debut in Celtic’s Champions League vs Aston Villa recently.
Following his senior debut for the Scottish giants, The Celtic Way now report that Cummings is set to be offered a new long-term contract with the club. His current deal expires in the summer and he’s free to speak to other clubs as things stand.
But Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic want to fend off interest in Cummings from England and Europe, with West Ham one of the clubs interested along with Sunderland.
Sunderland’s striker stance ahead of deadline day
If it wasn’t clear already, recent reports have confirmed that Sunderland are tracking several striker targets ahead of deadline day, with Speakman and Le Bris both keen to see the attacking department bolstered before the window slams shut.
Cummings is a person of interest but he may not be a signing for the here and now at Sunderland. Le Bris will want a striker who can come in and hit the ground running. He needs someone who can step up in the absence of Isidor and Cummings is just too inexperienced to do that.
He’s more a signing for the future and depending on what happens with his contract situation at Celtic, we could see Sunderland make a more serious move in the summer.