A Sunderland striker target is edging close towards a late January transfer. But it might not be a move to Wearside.
Sunderland remain in the transfer market for a new striker.
Michael Beale‘s side have signed defender Leo Hjelde and look set to complete a deal for winger Romaine Mundle from Standard Liege, potentially meaning that a new striker could be the main focus going into the final 24 hours of the window.
And one striker linked with a move to the Stadium of Light is Bournemouth and Wales’ Kieffer Moore.
The 31-year-old has featured just eight times in the Premier League this season, and WalesOnline say that he’s ‘edging closer to the exit door at Bournemouth’.
Kieffer Moore open to Cardiff City return
Moore now looks set to leave Bournemouth before tomorrow’s 11pm transfer deadline, with WalesOnline stating that the 40-cap Welsh international has stated his desire to leave.
But the same report also adds that Moore is ‘open’ to, and potentially keen on a return to Cardiff City where he previously spent two seasons.
The Bluebirds signed Moore from Wigan Athletic in 2020 and in his first season he netted 20 Championship goals, leaving midway through the following 2021/22 campaign to join Bournemouth.
Sunderland and Ipswich Town both lodged loan bids for Moore earlier in the summer and WalesOnline say that a loan move remains the likeliest outcome, though there’s no mention of Sunderland being the front-runners for his signature.
Sunderland set for Moore blow
Sunderland remains a very attractive place for players to come and ply their trade, despite the recent unrest surrounding Beale.
And Moore would no doubt enjoy playing for the club and he’d undoubtedly be a strong signing.
But it seems like Moore wants a return to a former club where he might also stand a better chance of playing on the international stage, with Wales facing some big Euro play-offs in the coming months.
So for Sunderland, it might be hard to argue their case when Moore might prefer a return to Cardiff for personal reasons.
But there’s other options out there and Sunderland may well have a few surprises up their sleeves as we head towards deadline day.
A striker remains a must for Beale whose side have overseen a positive capture of Hjelde, with another in Mundle looking set to follow.
The Black Cats return to action vs Middlesbrough this weekend.