David Moyes nearly gave James Wilson his chance at Manchester United; should Sunderland now move

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Sunderland are likely to need to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window.

With Sunderland now seven points adrift of safety, it may be time for David Moyes to start having one eye on additions he’ll need to make if his side are playing Championship football next season.

Sunderland have made a habit of pulling off great escapes in the final few weeks of the season, but all the signs suggest that they will be relegated this term.

The Black Cats have shown few signs of encouragement in recent weeks, and only a remarkable turnaround will see them escape to safety.

If Sunderland do drop into the second tier, a major rebuilding job will have to be undertaken if they are to be promoted.

Sunderland are likely to clear out many of their top earners if they fall into the Championship, and that will leave room for a fresh start.

And one of the players who could by on Moyes’ transfer wishlist is Manchester United youngster James Wilson.

Moyes managed Wilson during his time at Old Trafford, and the youngster was very close to breaking into United’s first-team – after impressing the Scottish boss in training.

“He’s done well in the Reserves and earned an opportunity,” Moyes said, back in 2014 when he was United manager.

“I think he’s got a good chance, the boy, and we want to keep him right but keep moving him up and progressing him when we think the opportunities are there.

“If the opportunity comes [before the end of the season], we’ll do so but we have a lot of people looking for a game.”

Wilson’s career has rather stagnated in recent times though, and it may be that United choose to sell in the summer.

The England youth international does not appear to have much of a chance of forcing his way into Jose Mourinho’s first-team set-up in the near future, and his development is likely to be best served by leaving Old Trafford.

Wilson has missed much of this season with injury, but he should be fresh for next campaign and Sunderland could be the perfect team for him to develop at.

Sunderland are likely to need a new striker in the summer, with Jermain Defoe’s future uncertain, and Wilson could be ready to step up to become the Black Cats’ main man, if given an opportunity.