Sunderland have pulled out of the race to sign an in-demand striker ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.
Sunderland have desperately been trying to sign a new forward in January, with their current crop really struggling for goals this term.
The Black Cats had placed focus on Bournemouth’s Kieffer Moore and are one of a number of clubs who have lodged a loan bid for the 31-year-old, though it now looks like he is steering towards a return to Cardiff City.
Sunderland’s options are very limited now, and their pursuit of a new striker is looking even more bleak with the news that they no longer want to sign another one of their targets.
According to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats have cooled their interest in Macaulay Langstaff.
The report claims Michael Beale’s side did show some initial interest in the Notts County ace, however they have now moved onto other targets and a deal for Langstaff is ‘unlikely’ before the deadline.
The ‘special‘ 26-year-old has been a hit for Notts County, netting a whopping 42 goals as they were promoted from the National League last season. He has since scored an impressive 20 goals in 28 games in League Two.
Langstaff is said to be valued at around £1.5 million and has been linked with a list of clubs including Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Derby County.
What is Sunderland’s plan then?
Sunderland’s stance on Macaulay Langstaff does suggest they have other targets in mind, though they haven’t been linked with many strikers at all this month.
Kieffer Moore’s arrival looks very unlikely, while Birmingham City already confirmed that Jay Stansfield’s loan wouldn’t be cut short.
If the club have another option lined up to join before tomorrow night then that’s fine, but if they now don’t end up signing a No.9, then their decision to pull out of the race for Langstaff will be questioned.