Sunderland have suffered a few setbacks in their striker search ahead of deadline day.
All summer long, Sunderland have needed a striker. And Kristjaan Speakman finally got one over the line earlier this month, bringing in Wilson Isidor on loan.
But another one seems necessary given the lack of depth and quality in that position, with several names linked ahead of deadline day.
Long-term target Alexandre Mendy was of course mentioned, but it looks as though Mendy is set to stay at Caen.
Elsewhere, Sunderland have made a £5million bid for Tom Cannon at Leicester City, but recent reports say that Sunderland are out of the race for Cannon.
Sunderland eyeing Gift Orban at Lyon
Sunderland are now being linked with Lyon striker Gift Orban.
The Nigerian striker netted 15 goals in 16 Jupiler League games for Gent during the 2022/23 season, then being snapped up by Lyon in a €14m (£11.77m) deal midway though last season.
But the 22-year-old would score just once in 13 Ligue games for the French giants, and he could now leave on loan.
Sunderland Nation report that Sunderland are plotting an audacious move for the striker, along with Burnley and Southampton.
- READ MORE: Kristjaan Speakman set for Deadline Day ‘bidding war’ for ‘incredible’ Sunderland striker target
Why Sunderland could have an edge in Gift Orban race
Sunderland have often targeted the French market under Speakman, albeit with varying degrees of success.
It’d be safe to assume that Sunderland have some strong connections in French football and now with Regis Le Bris at the helm, and performing well, it could only make the French market more viable for the Black Cats.
Orban is certainly an exciting link, and with the Premier League likely too much of a step up for the struggling striker, a Championship loan move, albeit a drop down, could be ideal for him.