Since the end of last season, Sunderland fans have been longing for striking reinforcements to a team that were second lowest scorers last term. The departure of £9-million man Connor Wickham has only increased the need at the Stadium of Light, with fans becoming increasingly concerned, especially after Saturdays 4-2 defeat to Leicester City. With names being linked from across the globe, ReadSunderland take a look at the three biggest names who could brighten up the Stadium of Light this year.
1. Moussa Sow
A name linked with Sunderland for many years, rumours of Sow’s imminent arrival all summer have not been taken seriously amongst fans. The Senegalese man, who made his name during a prolific season at Lille in 2010/11, joined the Istanbul side in 2012 and has scored 51 goals in 102 appearances since the move, averaging a goal every other game. Sow can also play on the left or middle of a front three, a system favoured by Dick Advocaat. Entering the final 12 months of his contract, Sow may be available for a cut-price fee, with Fenerbache looking elsewhere for striking reinforcements.
2. Jordan Rhodes
The Scottish International is eager for a new challenge after a prolific few years at Blackburn Rovers, where he has scored over twenty goals in each of the past three seasons. The 25-year-old, who has been heavily linked with rivals Middlesbrough this summer in a £14-million move, has scored 73 goals in 134 appearances for the Championship club since a £8-million move from Huddersfield. It remains to be seen if Sunderland can cut a deal for Rhodes, with Blackburn’s asking price excessive for an unproven premier league player. Perhaps a player-plus-cash deal could benefit both parties, with Sunderland eager to get rid of some of their fringe players. Rhodes has the ability and has shown it for many years in the championship, however, many clubs have passed up the opportunity to test the Scot in the premier league, and Sunderland may end up taking an unnecessary risk should they pursue the player.
3. Charlie Austin
The most sought after player outside the top flight is none other than QPR frontman Charlie Austin. His eighteen league goals last term could not save QPR, but they did unintentionally lead to huge interest in the striker, with clubs such as Everton, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur credited. A mouth watering partnership of Austin and Defoe would be an attractive proposition for Sunderland fans with Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham the other two capable alternatives. At the tender age of 26, Austin’s future lies in the premier league. All that remains to be seen is which club will match QPR’s price tag of £15 million, with Sunderland having the finances to do so, now it is a case of whether the club will invest such a sum.
