Sunderland are understood to be interested in raiding League One rivals AFC Wimbledon for the striker Lyle Taylor.
There is probably not a position in Sunderland’s squad that does not need strengthening this summer.
A new goalkeeper is an obvious requirement while the defence, midfield and both full-back positions are a little short in both depth and quality. The Black Cats’ hopes of an immediate return to Championship football, however, could depend on which striker they bring in this summer.
Sunderland do not have a single senior centre-forward on their books right now with Josh Maja and Joel Asoro – while obviously promising – still teenagers and potentially set to struggle in the physical, unforgiving nature of League One football.
So Sunderland need a player who has proved that he can thrive at this level. And Lyle Taylor is exactly that.
The Mail (live blog, 4.39pm) reports that Sunderland are eyeing up the Monserrat international, who is expected to leave Wimbledon when his contract expires. Wigan, Southend, Bristol Rovers and Peterborough are allegedly interested but this has the feel of a key signing that Sunderland must get over the line.
28-year-old Taylor is something of a late bloomer, but he shone in League One last season for a Wimbledon side that finished narrowly above the relegation zone, netting 14 goals in the league and 18 overall.
He is a strong centre-forward capable of leading the line and playing anywhere across the front. And the fact he is available for nothing only ticks another box.
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