Chris Coleman wants Gary Madine at Sunderland, but he’d be a poor signing

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Sunderland are said to be interested in the Bolton Wanderers forward in January.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are after Bolton Wanderers striker Gary Madine, but he would have to be considered a short-term option for the Black Cats.

Chris Coleman appears to have made signing a new striker one of Sunderland’s main priorities in January, as they have struggled for goals this term.

Although Lewis Grabban has hit the back of the net frequently, and sits among the Championship’s top scorers, he has not been backed up by his teammates.

Sunderland are now said to be keen on Bolton forward Madine in the January transfer, but the move looks an underwhelming one.

Madine has hit six goals in 20 Championship matches this term, and he has generally struggled in the second tier.

The 27-year-old forward has netted just 17 goals in 116 Championship appearances throughout the course of his career, and if Sunderland do have ambitions to eventually make it back to the Premier League, they will surely need better.

Madine may be a good option for now, especially as it would weaken one of Coleman’s side’s relegation rivals, but banking on him to keep scoring over the long-term would be a mistake.