Kristjaan Speakman has been told to further his approach for one ‘physical’ striker linked to Sunderland.
In the January transfer window, Sunderland searched high and low to bolster their attacking options, with a total of 12 strikers being linked with a move to Wearside.
The winter window kicked off spectacularly with Enzo Le Fee signing on loan with an obligation to buy that would be activated if Sunderland won promotion to the Premier League, and Wilson Isidor’s move from Zenit was unsurprisingly made permanent after his brilliant start to life at the Stadium of Light.
Unfortunately, Kristjaan Speakman faced difficulties in getting his next name over the line, with several strikers opting for moves elsewhere before he landed on the loan signing of Liverpool man Jayden Danns, whom we are yet to see in action due to injury and fitness concerns.
Nonetheless, one striker has emerged as a target for the Black Cats, and they have been told just how good of a signing he would be.
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Sunderland given Lawrence Shankland verdict as Sky Sports pundit hails ‘physical’ striker
One man that Sunderland value as a potential addition to their side is Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland, who would be available on a free.
Previously speaking to TBR Football’s Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, about Sunderland’s interest in Shankland, he made it clear that ‘a number of clubs are talking to him and are going to give him some options’, including the Black Cats and Premier League side Ipswich Town.
Amid links for Sunderland to sign the attacker, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has given Shankland a big sell, and suggests that he would be a worthwhile addition for the Black Cats.
Per Football League World, Prutton said: “I think (Lawrence Shankland) would be quite a good addition, given what they’ve got with obviously Wilson Isidor up top, and Eliezer Mayenda, who has very ably stepped in as and when Isidor’s not been playing.
“They do tend to favour that one striker up top with players with real ability operating in-and-around them.
“I think Shankland would offer that experience. Obviously he has never plied his trade this side of the border, but certainly has many games under his belt.
“(He is) a good age, I think, 29 years old. A physical presence, you’re talking about a striker who is over six foot, that can lead the line, that shows a real composure and deftness of finish. I know that he is also capable of the spectacular.”
How Lawrence Shankland would fit into Regis Le Bris’ set-up
Whilst Sunderland already have the brilliant striker options of Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, it would certainly help if the Black Cats can bolster their options, not just for the squad depth, but also to add a slightly different player to the ranks that gives Le Bris the option to utilise a plan B if his current mould of strikers aren’t performing.
As Prutton says, Shankland would be a ‘physical’ attacker that could potentially bully Championship defences, but his main strength is his eye for goal.
The striker, who has captained Scottish side Hearts this season, including in the Europa Conference League, has only bagged four goals, but has also notched seven assists.
In Harry Kane-esque fashion, Shankland has moved his importance towards creating, but his goalscoring abilities won’t be far behind him, having scored 42 across the two previous seasons in the Scottish Premiership.
It would be expected to see Shankland initially behind Mayenda and Isidor in the pecking order, but he would be perfect to bring on for the last 25-30 minutes for Sunderland next season.