Sunderland are going to have to wait until the end of the transfer window before receiving an answer from Derby County striker Chris Martin.
Martin has a number of offers on the table, with Sunderland keen to snap up the target-man.
Reading are also believed to be in competition for Martin, who Derby are willing to loan out.
And it is said that the striker is taking his time over making a decision about which club to join.
Sunderland may now be taking too big a risk by allowing Martin to delay giving them an answer, as they simply must sign a striker this month.
Chris Coleman is desperate for an increase in fire power, following the departures of both Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan.
By simply going after Martin though, Sunderland could risk disappointment if he turns them down at the last minute.
The Black Cats must make sure they have a contingency plan in place, as if Martin does not arrive at the Stadium of Light, and no other targets are identified, then that could be a devastating blow to their survival chances.
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