Championship strugglers Sunderland have missed out on Ben Woodburn and Jon Walters and could see Lukas Nmecha slip through their grasp, too.
There is just a week to go in the January transfer window and Sunderland’s desire to sign a striker for the second half of the season is now looking desperate.
Top scorer Lewis Grabban saw his loan spell from Bournemouth cut short this month while James Vaughan was sold to Wigan Athletic, leaving Chris Coleman without a single senior centre-forward, although youngsters Josh Maja and Joel Asoro have stepped up of late.
Sunderland’s chances of landing Chris Martin on loan from Derby County hang in the balance, according to the Chronicle, amid rival interest from league leaders Wolves. Sunderland had agreed a deal but the Scottish striker is still considering his future.
And, according to the Sunderland Echo, a deal to sign Lukas Nmecha also looks to have fallen through. The Black Cats were very interested in the 19-year-old Manchester City striker, who has scored eight goals in seven Premier League 2 games this season and was recently handed his senior debut by Pep Guardiola.
But the report states that Nmecha could be out for a month with an injury, leaving Sunderland rocked and their hopes of signing the England youth star in serious doubt.
In total, four potential striker signings may now have slipped through Sunderland’s grasp. They were expected to sign Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool, only for Philippe Coutinho’s exit to encourage Jurgen Klopp to keep him at Anfield.
Sunderland wanted Burnley’s Jon Walters too but he will be absent for some time after undergoing surgery.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
