Sunderland should consider a move for Tom Eaves over the reported pursuit of injured Charlie Wyke

The Black Cats start their League One campaign in just under two weeks, but their first team squad still needs bolstering.

Sunderland are set to embark on England's third division in just under two weeks, when they begin life in League One for the first time in 30 years, two seasons on from playing top-flight football in the Premier League.

The Black Cats have been on the hunt for new signings all summer, knowing a striker will be key to have any chance of returning to the Championship at the first time of asking. 

Bradford City striker Charlie Wyke is reportedly attracting interest from Sunderland, but the Black Cats should veer away from the injured player and attempt to move for Gillingham Town forward Tom Eaves instead.

Wyke was prolific in League One last season, finding the back of the net 15 times and assisting his team-mates on seven occasions, but according to the Sunderland Echo the 25-year-old looks to be out for a number of weeks with injury.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross' squad is already bare thin and with only two first-team strikers on their books, one of which being the injured Duncan Watmore, the Wearsiders can't afford to be signing injured strikers.

However, perhaps a better alternative for 42-year-old Ross to consider is Gillingham Town's Eaves, who actually scored two more goals than Wyke last season, netting 17 times and averaging a goal every 173 minutes. 

Eaves has a good record of scoring goals in the lower leagues, scoring goals for a range of clubs including; Yeovil Town and Bristol Rovers, something that will be key in Sunderland's search for a striker who will ensure they at least compete for promotion next season.

Eaves is also only 26-years-old, meaning he could certainly be a player for future seasons with Sunderland, when the Wearside club will be hopeful of being back in England's first division.

Regardless of who Sunderland sign in an attacking role, one thing for certain is that Black Cats owner Stewart Donald must do everything to bring in a goalscorer who will get down to business when the Black Cats start the new season against Charlton Athletic early next month.