ELIEZER Mayenda left Sunderland in a surprise loan deal announced just after the 11pm deadline - with the Black Cats now one striker down after failing in their bid to bolster the forward line.

The capture of a frontman was the priority for Sunderland in the January window but the Black Cats were left frustrated in their striker search.

Kieffer Moore - one leading target - joined rivals Ipswich early on deadline day, and although Sunderland made two signings late on, with the captures of Romaine Mundle and Callum Styles, they weren't able to add a striker.

Despite that disappointment, the Black Cats sanctioned the loan exit of Mayenda, who has followed Nectar Triantis in linking up with Hibs on loan until the end of the season.

Head coach Michael Beale suggested previously in January that the Black Cats felt Mayenda was best off staying and progressing under the watchful eye of Sunderland coaches, even if he wasn't playing regularly in the second half of the season - but he has now linked up with the Scottish Premiership outfit until the summer.

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Explaining the decision, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Eliezer is an exciting prospect and we are really pleased by the way he’s adapted to the English game and embraced life at Sunderland.

"Opportunities for regular playing time in our senior team are limited at present and we wanted to ensure we made the best use of the remaining games this campaign.

"We believe this opportunity will achieve that outcome in a comparable environment that will provide big games in big atmospheres, which will benefit Eliezer ahead of a return to the Stadium of Light next season.”

Mayenda joined Sunderland in the summer and has made eight Championship appearances, scoring twice in three games for the Under-21s.

Mayenda's exit leaves Mason Burstow, Nazariy Rusyn and Hemir to battle for the striker spot in the second half of the season. The trio have two goals between them so far this term.