Wanderers to challenge Cats for Wyke signature

Sunderland are expected to face strong competition from Bolton Wanderers for striker target Charlie Wyke.

Both clubs are in desperate need of reinforcements up front, though Bolton are yet to make a bid for the Bradford City striker.

Jack Ross has identified Wyke as one of his key targets with the Black Cats making an initial bid last week.

The six-figure bid fell short of Bradford’s valuation. A second bid is reported to have been lodged with Sunderland officials waiting to hear back.

It comes as Bradford are considering giving Wyke a deadline to decide on his future.

With just a year left on his current contract, Bradford want Wyke to commit himself to a new deal, but if not, then they would be willing to sell him, at the right price. Middlesbrough-born Wyke didn’t play in the friendly with York City at the weekend, he sat out with a knock. Bradford head coach Michael Collins has praised Wyke’s attitude despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future. Collins told the Telegraph & Argus: “Everybody is aware of the interest. It’s quite common within the press.

“I haven’t heard anything directly from the chairman with regards to what’s happening with Charlie.

“But credit to Charlie. He has come in and applied himself exactly as I thought he would.

“I knew Charlie before I took the role on. I expected nothing different and I’ve seen nothing different. He’s been an absolute grade A professional and I expected nothing different.”

Wyke is also understood to be high on Bolton’s wanted list.

Speaking about his transfer priorities, boss Phil Parkinson said: “Everybody knows we’re a long, long way short of having a squad capable of competing at Championship level.

“We’ve got other areas we need to strengthen but the striker area is a key one. We need strength in depth.”