Sunderland are willing to offer Joe Pigott a substantial contract at the Stadium of Light but the AFC Wimbledon talisman has his heart set on a summer move to the Championship, as reported by The News.
When reports emerged suggesting the Black Cats were on the verge of losing one of the most prolific strikers in the EFL – the first player to score 30 goals in red and white since the legendary Kevin Phillips – you’d have been forgiven for assuming the fans’ reaction would be one of fear.
Not so.
They do say every cloud has a silver lining after all and, in the eyes of some supporters, Sunderland would actually benefit long-term from Charlie Wyke’s seemingly imminent move to Celtic.
When you have a 6ft 2in target man leading the line, there’s always a tendency to revert to long balls and rely on set-pieces.
What Wyke brings in efficiency, he lacks in aesthetics and many Sunderland supporters would welcome a change in personnel up front.
Will Pigott replace Celtic-bound Wyke at Sunderland?
With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine the arrival of Pigott would improve the mood around a club coming to terms with yet another play-off failure.
At 6ft 2in, Pigott is a rangy, penalty-box predator – just like the man he may end up replacing.
The News reports Sunderland are willing to offer “big wages” to the late-blooming 27-year-old.
Pigott would love to play in the Championship, however, and has held talks with Luton Town and Bristol City.
The journeyman striker, who will leave Wimbledon on a free transfer next week, scored 22 goals last season.
And, in fairness to him, they weren’t all close-range tap-ins and bundled headers. Pigott is a player blessed with superb technique and even has the odd 25-yard stunner in his locker.
“I’ve decided I will be looking for a new challenge,” Pigott said in May after turning down a new contract.
“It has been an absolute privilege to play for this club as it represents exactly what the game is about – the fans.”
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