Sunderland are still in need of a proven League One striker and could reportedly move to sign Wyke from League One neighbours Bradford City.
If there were any fans wondering whether Sunderland’s alleged interest in Charlie Wyke was nothing more than gossip column fodder, the presence of Tony Coton at Valley Parade certainly adds some credence to the rumours.
According to the Chronicle, Sunderland’s head of recruitment was spotted in Yorkshire watching a pre-season friendly between Bradford City and Sheffield United on Wednesday.
The Northern Echo has reported that the Black Cats have had a bid of £600,000 rejected by Wyke.
Although it is understood that he would be keen on a move to the North East, having started his career in Middlesbrough before a loan spell at Hartlepool United in his younger days.
Wyke scored 15 League One goals for Bradford in 2017/18 and therefore ticks a lot of boxes. And the Chronicle adds that negotiations are ongoing, while Coton would have been able to discuss a move with Bradford and possibly Wyke himself.
The scouting mission did not exactly go to plan, however, with the 25-year-old being subbed off thanks to injury after just six minutes.
Nonetheless, Sunderland fans will be hoping the trip to Yorkshire would still have been productive, with the Wearsiders crying out for a centre-forward capable of scoring goals at League One level.
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