Sunderland need a striker and they reportedly want Plymouth Argyle’s Freddie Ladapo, Ayr United’s Lawrence Shankland or Doncaster Rovers’ John Marquis.
Sunderland have chosen Doncaster Rovers ace John Marquis as their number one striker target, according to the Northern Echo, despite the fact that he will cost substantially more than both Freddie Ladapo and Lawrence Shankland.
After missing out on promotion to the Championship in heart-wrenching fashion, conceding a 94th minute winner against Charlton Athletic in the Wembley play-off final, Sunderland will go again this summer.
And a reliable goalscorer is top of Jack Ross’ wishlist. The Black Cats’ chances of sealing the League One title disappeared once Josh Maja was sold to Bordeaux in January and, with both Will Grigg and Charlie Wyke struggling for form and fitness, a replacement is required.
Now, Ladapo is available for a bargain £500,000 after Plymouth Argyle were relegated to League Two in May. The 26-year-old former Crystal Palace striker scored 18 goals last season and recently saw a move to Portsmouth fall through.
Shankland, meanwhile, can be snapped up for absolutely nothing. He plundered 34 goals in 41 games in 2018/19, albeit in the Scottish second tier with Ayr United.
Marquis too enjoyed a prolific campaign with 26 for Doncaster. But he will cost far more than Shankland and twice as much as Ladapo. Rovers are demanding £1 million for their star man.
Despite that, it seems that Sunderland are not willing to let his price-tag put them off. And a refusal to settle for the cheaper option bodes well for a club who are far better run now than they were this time last year.
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