Sunderland could now consider looking to a former striker target after recent news.
Sunderland remain focused on signing a proven goal-scorer after an underwhelming season in attack.
The Black Cats’ four strikers managed only three goals between them last term, leaving the club to heavily rely on Jack Clarke.
With the winger now likely to leave the Stadium of Light, Sunderland are desperate to bring in a Championship forward.
While they have recently seen a bid turned down for Caen’s Alexandre Mendy, they could be boosted by the availability of one of their former targets.
- READ MORE: Alexandre Mendy explains three reasons why he really wants to join Sunderland this summer
Former Sunderland target could be set for Championship return
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Fulham striker Jay Stansfield ‘could yet be loaned out again’.
Witcoop wrote on X: “Fulham have fielded enquiries from a number of Championship clubs for Jay Stansfield. Marco Silva a big fan of the forward but Stansfield could still yet be loaned out again next season.”
It is unclear whether Sunderland are one of the clubs that have enquired about Stansfield, but they made their interest in the youngster very clear last summer.
The 21-year-old eventually chose to join Birmingham City after picking up 16 goal contributions for Exeter City in League One.
Stansfield quickly showed Sunderland what they were missing as he bagged 12 goals for the Blues, despite their relegation.
Jay Stansfield could be a game-changer for the Black Cats
With the forward potentially on his way back to the Championship, he should definitely be one that Sunderland should be looking at.
Stansfield did admit he had chosen Birmingham because he wanted to remain close to home in London, there is no harm in trying to lure him to Wearside.
Even if Kristjaan Speakman does snap up Mendy, providing him with some healthy competition in Stansfield could be a real boost to the team.
If the French forward was to get injured, then Sunderland would be back to relying on the likes of Luis Hemir and Nazariy Rusyn to lead the line – and that is a situation the fans will want to avoid this season.
There is no doubt they would face significant competition though and a club closer to the capital may well win the race, but they could end up regretting it if they don’t even try.