Sunderland are entering the final hour of the transfer window without another striker.
The Black Cats have already snapped up Wilson Isidor, but it remains unclear where they plan to play him.
Sunderland have been eager to sign another No.9 on top of the Frenchman, but have so far failed to land any of their targets.
After missing out on Alexandre Mendy, Roko Simic and Tom Cannon this week, the Wearside outfit were looking to seal an ambitious deal for Lyon’s Gift Orban.
However, the 22-year-old was named in their match-day squad this evening, making it clear that a deal for the Nigerian was off the cards.
Sunderland set for ‘late’ move on final striker target
With very few options left ahead of the 11pm deadline, journalist Mike McGrath has now claimed they are planning a ‘late’ move for Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana.
McGrath wrote on X: “Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana could be a late mover with Sunderland willing to move for the Ivory Coast international. Has not been easy for players to leave Chelsea today and clock is ticking on a loan being completed.”
The news comes after reports claimed that the Ivorian was considering a move to Germany from Stamford Bridge.
David Datro Fofana would still be a good signing for the Black Cats
Fofana impressed whilst on loan at Burnley in the second half of last season, scoring four goals in ten starts as the Clarets were relegated.
The 21-year-old managed only one goal whilst on loan at Union Berlin in the first half of the campaign.
Given that Fofana is clearly not one of their first-choice targets, he doesn’t seem a poor option for them at this point.
The youngster made his mark in the top flight and could well have scored more goals if he wasn’t playing for a club destined for the Championship.
With Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda also on the books, Fofana could prove to be a solid attacking addition.
They have left it very late to pursue the forward though, so fans won’t get their hopes up about sorting out a deal in the next hour.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will be well aware of the pressure he is under to bring in a new No.9 though, and while their signings elsewhere have been positive, it won’t mean much if they don’t bolster the most important position.