Sunderland look set for a positive end to the January transfer window, with the club closing in on another deadline day signing.
Sunderland went into today’s deadline day with one signing to their name in this winter transfer window; Leo Hjelde.
The defender signed from Leeds United just this week, and earlier today the Black Cats completed the signing of winger Romaine Mundle from Standard Liege.
And Callum Styles is also being widely tipped to join the club from Barnsley before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.
But once again, it looks like Sunderland won’t be signing a striker.
Michael Graham though says that, whilst there’s no new of an imminent striker arrival at the Stadium of Light, it shouldn’t be ruled out:
Sunderland wanted to sign Kieffer Moore on loan from Bournemouth today, but Ipswich Town have since confirmed his arrival.
Sunderland striker hopes not over yet
Michael Beale will no doubt be pleased to see the Sunderland owners putting some money on the table, and for some impressive signings too.
Hjelde and Mundle will greatly improve the team, both now and in the long-run, and so too will Styles if his move from Barnsley goes through.
But Sunderland will only so far this season without an out and out goal-scorer in their ranks.
They can still score goals but should they finish inside the play-offs, they might then be made to pay for their lack of quality in the final third.
Jack Clarke will have even more pressure on his shoulders if a striker doesn’t come in before 11pm tonight; whilst it looks unlikely as things stand, Graham hasn’t completely ruled it out.
Though with Moore now at Ipswich and just a few hours left of the winter transfer window, Sunderland will either be left short, or forced to take another risk on another unknown quantity from Europe.
Sunderland go up against Middlesbrough in the Championship on Sunday.