Crystal Palace’s forgotten man Connor Wickham has been linked with a move to both Sunderland and Championship leaders Middlesbrough.
Has Sunderland manager Jack Ross just handed a big transfer boost to local rivals Middlesbrough? Maybe so.
With just days now until the January transfer window swings open, reports have suggested that Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham is at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two North East clubs after returning from almost two months on the sidelines with injury.
TEAMtalk reported that Sunderland were hoping to re-sign a striker they paid Ipswich Town £8 million for back in 2011 when he was one of the most exciting young prospects in English football.
The report adds that Wickham has admirers down the road at Boro too. Tony Pulis’ side have struggled for goals all season with only five Championship teams scoring fewer in the second tier of English football.
But, in quotes reported by the Sunderland Echo, Ross has made it clear that a new striker is far from a priority next month.
“It’s not my priority at the moment,” said the former St Mirren boss.
“Josh (Maja) has a great goal return. Chris (Maguire) can play higher up. Charlie (Wyke) and Duncan (Watmore) are coming back. Lynden (Gooch) can player higher up.
“We’ve still got Benji (Kimpioka) as well, who I would like to keep progressing as a forward player.”
The prospect of Wickham returning for a second spell on Wearside, then, looks very slim. So if Middlesbrough want to bring the 25-year-old back to the North East, the door may be open.
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