Sunderland have been given a huge boost in their ambitious pursuit of a striker.
The Black Cats have long been chasing a No.9 this summer and have been linked with a long list of names.
Sunderland fans were left worried yesterday when Alexandre Mendy decided to stay at Caen, while Roko Simic looks set to join Cardiff City.
It only got worse when they were reported to be out of the race for Tom Cannon, with a number of Championship clubs chasing his signature.
However, today has been a new day in which a number of new strikers have been linked.
Supporters were left shocked when reports claimed they were targeting Lyon’s Gift Orban, who Het Nieuwsblad claimed was an option for Tottenham Hotspur when Harry Kane left last summer.
The Nigerian netted 51 goals in 76 appearances for Gent and Stabaek Fotball, but his move to Lyon hasn’t been as successful.
Sunderland’s ambitious striker pursuit could materialise
It seemed like it was surely a deal out of Sunderland’s reach, but they have now been given good news in their pursuit.
According to journalist Michael Graham, Sunderland’s chances of signing Orban are ‘looking pretty good right now’.
He claimed that the 22-year-old is ‘keen’ to move to the Stadium of Light and is waiting for a deal to be finalised.
Gift Orban could lead Sunderland to the Premier League
It is believed that Orban would move to Wearside on loan, and while fans may be frustrated that they haven’t made a permanent signing, it is surely a deal that they can’t refuse.
The striker was extremely highly-rated before his move to France and was considered by not just Tottenham, but also the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona just last year.
Sunderland have been demanding a new forward, and while he will leave next summer, a player of his quality could well be what they need to win promotion.
Surely supporters would rather have a player of his standard that can push them to the Premier League, rather than spending millions on a striker who probably isn’t even as good.