SUNDERLAND have made a move for Gent striker Ahmed Abdullahi - with Hemir set to complete a surprise move to Italian giants Juventus.

Nigerian Under-20 international Abdullahi has only made two senior appearances for his Belgian club but is deemed as an exciting talent with major potential.

It's not clear at this stage whether Sunderland will be successful in their pursuit of the 20-year-old but the Black Cats are understood to have made an offer.

It comes as news emerged of Hemir's shock move to Juventus.

The 21-year-old doesn't feature in Regis Le Bris' plans and a loan move was always on the cards this summer, regardless of whether or not Sunderland are able to bring in a striker ahead of the deadline.

Hemir's move to Italy will be an initial loan, with Juventus then having the option to make the deal permanent.

Sunderland will sign defender Chris Mepham on loan from Bournemouth today, while midfield pair Samis Abdul Samed and Milan Aleksic are both expected to arrive before 11pm.