Sunderland have held talks with Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion as they look to sign Alex Cochrane on loan until the end of the season, according to the Argus.
Black Cats boss Lee Johnson was already looking to bring in a left-footer or two before the February 1 transfer deadline.
And, after first-choice left-back Denver Hume was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a serious hamstring injury, Sunderland are now stepping up their chase for a man capable of stepping into the breach on a short-term basis.
St Johnstone defender Scott Tanser is one option, with Buddies manager Callum Davidson admitting that he would not stand in the 26-year-old’s way if Sunderland came calling (Courier).
Reports from the South Coast, however, suggest that Cochrane is currently the first-choice target.
Sunderland have entered talks over a mid-season deal for the 20-year-old, who is currently on loan at Belgian outfit St Gilloise.
“He has impressed, he has a really good attitude and we like him,” Brighton coach Graham Potter told the Brighton and Hove Independent after a victory over Newcastle United at the end of last season.
Brighton have the option to re-call Cochrane from Belgium this month. The England U20 ace would surely only benefit from pitting his wits against battle-scarred forwards in the third tier, with Sunderland in the midst of a grueling promotion push.
The Northern Echo backs up reports of Sunderland’s interest in the attack-minded Cochrane.
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