IT'S no secret that Sunderland are in the market for a striker this summer.
After the appointment of Regis Le Bris, who will speak to the media for the first time this afternoon, the focus on Wearside has moved to the transfer window, with the Black Cats looking to strengthen their forward line.
So who could be heading for Wearside this summer? Here are seven strikers who have been linked with Sunderland and their current transfer situations:
DIVIN MUBAMA
Mubama's West Ham United exit was confirmed at the weekend but what happens next is not clear.
The 19-year-old was first linked with Sunderland ahead of the winter window and has been on the club's radar since.
But the Black Cats aren't the only club keen on the frontman. There's said to be interest from elsewhere in the Championship, while Mubama also has offers in Europe. According to the BBC, Mubama is "leaning towards" a move to Europe.
Mubama spent 11 years with West Ham, having first joined the academy when he was just eight. He worked his way through the age groups and has made 18 first team appearances, featuring in the Premier League, domestic cup competitions and in Europe.
He enjoyed a breakthrough 2022/23 campaign and was named Mark Noble's Young Hammer of the Year. But he was limited to just five first team appearances in the Premier League last season, the last of which came back in January.
KIEFFER MOORE
Kieffer Moore was a leading target for Sunderland and several other Championship clubs in the January window but it was Ipswich who won the battle for the Bournemouth striker.
He turned out to be an inspired loan signing. The 31-year-old scored seven goals in 18 appearances to help the Tractor Boys win promotion to the Premier League.
What happens next is unclear.
Moore will report back for the start of pre-season with Bournemouth but doesn't feature in the plans of boss Androni Iraola, who has Dominic Solanke and January signing Enes Ünal among his forward options.
During Moore's Ipswich loan, Iraola said: “I am very happy. I am sure he has showed he can score goals.
“He is a very good number nine, but it is very difficult, even for Enes.
“Enes is doing very well, and it is difficult for me to give him more minutes, because right now, we have Dom Solanke.
“Dom is playing so well that he is not giving a lot of chances to the other number nines.”
READ MORE:
- Kristjaan Speakman's Sunderland apology - and hint at major contractual developments
- Nazariy Rusyn opens up on Sunderland struggles & 'problems' before transfer
- Regis Le Bris explains his plans for Sunderland - and assesses current squad
JAY STANSFIELD
This time last year Jay Stansfield was a leading Sunderland target as they looked to bolster their forward line.
And at one stage former boss Tony Mowbray was pretty sure the Black Cats had landed the Fulham youngster - only for a late twist when Stansfield instead opted to join Birmingham City.
Despite Birmingham's relegation, Stansfield still impressed, making 43 appearances and scoring 12 goals.
Now, the 21-year-old has emerged as a top target for Hull City this summer as the Tigers look to build on their seventh-place finish last term and challenge for promotion under new boss Tim Walter.
But Hull - and any other keen Championship clubs - may well face disappointment in their pursuit of Stansfield.
At the end of the season Fulham boss Marco Silva said he wanted the striker in his ranks at Craven Cottage next term.
“He’s going to be back with us”, said Silva.
“He played the season before in League One [with Exeter City], and to be able to give a step forward in the Championship and be an important piece in the attack-line and score important goals [was pleasing]. Jay achieved all the important things.
“Now is the moment for him to come back and be one of the players in our attacking line for next season.”
DANIEL JEBBISON
Jebbison has been on Sunderland's transfer radar in the past and has been linked again this summer - and he's now a free agent after turning down the offer of a new deal at Sheffield United.
Leeds United have also been linked with the 20-year-old.
Jebbison is said to have grown frustrated with the ongoing takeover uncertainty at Bramall Lane, hence his decision to pursue other opportunities.
Sheffield United would be due compensation if Jebbison joins a club in England this summer.
MACAULAY LANGSTAFF
Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff was linked with Sunderland in January and there's been fresh speculation this summer.
The 27-year-old enhanced his reputation by scooping a third successive golden boot award in a third different division last season, scoring 28 league goals for the Magpies.
Swansea, Coventry, Wrexham, Millwall and Derby have also been linked with Langstaff.
He said at the end of last season: "I came here with the intention of getting the club back to the Football League, but once we got promoted my intention was to get the club to League One.
"I have three years left here and it would take something incredible [to leave]."
DAJAUNE BROWN
Dajaune Brown isn't short of admirers and his reputation was further enhanced by a hugely impressive spell with Gateshead last season.
The teenage Derby County striker scored 10 goals in 20 games for the National League side.
Sunderland are understood to have scouted the 18-year-old last season but there's plenty of competition, with Tottenham, Newcastle, Watford, West Brom, Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday among the clubs said to be interested.
Derby are understandably desperate to keep Brown and his current contract with the Rams runs until the summer of 2026.
On the back of Derby's promotion from League One last season, boss Paul Warne must decide whether Brown is ready to be part of his first team or would benefit from another loan move.
MUSA DRAMMEH
Drammeh was linked with Sunderland ahead of his Sevilla exit but there's no chance of the 22-year-old heading for the Stadium of Light - because he's already joined Hearts.
He's signed a three-year-deal with the Scottish side.
Head coach Steven Naismith said: “Musa is an exciting young talent with loads of positive attributes.
“He’s quick, physical and direct, and he’ll offer us something different going forward. He’s got a real appetite to learn and we believe we can help develop him into a top player."
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