Ross ‘has striker trio in sights’

SUNDERLAND are looking closely at three prolific League One strikers in an attempt to find the goals that will fire them back to the Championship in the upcoming season.

According to Roker Report, who have close links with new owner Stewart Donald, Billy Sharp, Charlie Wyke and Ivan Toney are all on Sunderland’s list. The report claims that the Black Cats are looking to sign at least two new strikers this summer, with Josh Maja and Andrew Nelson the only out-and-out strikers currently at the club – while Anton Forrester is on trial.

But while Jack Ross is said to have drafted up a list of potential targets to lead his attack next term, it is Sharp, Wyke and Toney who currently lead it.

Sharp, 32, would bring a wealth of experience – crucially, at earning promotion from League One too.

Sharp has spent the majority of his career in the Championship but has twice won the League One title – most recently in 2016-17 when he netted 30 goals to help Sheffield United back to the Championship.

He also netted 13 times in the second tier last term but lost his place in the Blades’ team to the in-form Leon Clarke.

Blades boss Chris Wilder is said to be open to the prospect of selling the veteran striker this summer.

Wyke, meanwhile, has proven prolific in recent seasons in the third tier. Since signing for Bradford in January 2017, the 25-year-old Middlesbrough-born striker has netted 22 league goals in 56 appearances.

Reports have suggested he could be available for as little as £500k this summer, but Roker Report’s article suggests that even that might be higher than the true figure required to prize him away from Valley Parade.

Peterborough are also said to be interested in his services.

Finally, Toney would be an interesting one, given that he currently plays for Newcastle.

Toney joined the Magpies from Northampton in 2015, and has been out on loan five times.

He has three times helped teams to the League One playoffs (twice at Scunthorpe and once at Barnsley) and has netted 25 goals in total at that level.

Toney seems keen to leave Newcastle, but it appears for Sunderland this one would have to be a loan.