With Lewis Grabban returning to Bournemouth, Sunderland are in desperate need of at least one new striker in the January transfer window.
With 12 goals in the first half of the campaign, Grabban’s exit leaves a huge gap in the Black Cats’ squad with the rest of them combined only contributing 19 goals between them.
However, with a limited budget this month manager Chris Coleman knows his most realistic chance of getting the quality needed is via the loan market.
He confirmed that himself recently, saying that young, hungry players with a point to prove will be perfect for the situation Sunderland find themselves in.
So what young strikers from Premier League clubs are out there and potentially available this month? We take a look at five of the best options.
James Wilson
The Manchester United striker has had a tough few years since first breaking into the fold at Old Trafford.
He scored twice against Hull City on his senior debut.
However, loan spells at Brighton and Derby in recent years have not gone to plan as he’s struggled with injuries.
He’s worked his way back to fitness in recent months though, playing nine, and scoring three, for the Red Devils’ second string.
Sheffield United are reportedly interested, but it’d be a good move for the Black Cats if they could keep him fit. The 22-year-old is by far the most experienced on this list.
Oliver McBurnie
How different the young Swansea striker’s season could have been.
Back in the summer he agreed a season-long loan to Barnsley, only for the EFL to cancel the agreement, reportedly because the paperwork was missing a signature and the window deadline had passed.
Because of that, McBurnie was forced to return to the South Wales club and has benefited from injuries to others, making his Premier League debut this season - and then another nine appearances after that!
He’s yet to score a top flight goal but his height and physical presence make him a real threat.
Will he available this month then?
It’s likely to be one, if so, that comes a lot later in the window. The Swans want to sign another striker this month, and if they manage it then it’s likely they will seek a loan for the targetman striker who’s netted an impressive ten in seven under-23 games this season.
Lukas Nmecha
This 19-year-old has attracted interest from Everton after an incredible season which has seen him score eight in seven for Manchester City’s under-23s.
As such, the Etihad outfit are working on tying him up to a new long-term deal before sending him out on loan for the rest of the season, according to the Sun.
‘Comfortable holding the ball up or running in behind defences,’ according to our sister title the MEN, Nmecha would be guaranteed game time at the Stadium of Light and would arrive full of confidence and keen to impress.
Chuba Akpom
The young Arsenal striker has been a known prospect since making his Gunners debut against Sunderland back in 2013.
Now 22, the six-foot striker has failed to kick on and started just one game after moving on loan to Brighton for the second half of last season.
Could he benefit from more game time though? He’s played 53 first team minutes for Arsenal so far this season, suggesting Arsene Wenger sees something in him.
Will he allow him to leave the Emirates once again this month? He would certainly add the physical presence that Sunderland need up top.
Eddie Nketiah
Failing Akpom, might Wenger allow 18-year-old starlet Nketiah to leave for more regular game time?
The England under-19 international - who’s scored seven in six at that level - has had his breakthrough season at the Emirates this term, making his debut in the Europa League before becoming a goalscoring hero in the League Cup. With five minutes to go he scored Arsenal’s equaliser with his first touch, then netted again in extra time to win it.
There’s been limited game time since in the first team, but he’s scored four goals and assisted two in nine second string appearances.
Described as a ‘goalscoring machine’, could he be the man to lead Coleman’s Sunderland to Championship safety?