After supposedly losing out on the signature of Papiss Demba Cisse to bitter rivals Newcastle United, Sunderland have switched their attention to another Bundesliga hitman in the form of Hannover 96 star, Mohamed Abdellaoue.

The Norwegian international is reportedly a target for Arsenal in this January transfer window but Martin O’Neill will be hoping to beat the tentative Gunners to his signature.

Although Cisse carried a prolific scoring record in the German top flight, Abdellaoue’s tally this season isn’t too shabby either and in 24 starts in all competitions, the 26 year-old has netted 13 times with six assists.

Proving himself as a capable centre-forward, the Black Cats are in need of attacking reinforcements if they are to maintain their steady rise up the Premier League table.

The North East outfit were being linked with numerous attackers before the transfer window started however the facial injury of Nicklas Bendtner over the weekend may force the club’s hand even faster.

Martin O’Neill now only has Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-Won as natural strikers to select from as well as a number of youth players.

Given both the player’s low experience in the Premier League, one can see why money may be put towards improving the front line.

Stephane Sessegnon has done an excellent job in his new position of supporting striker but his success has relied heavily on a successful centre forward partnership with Bendtner who he will now miss for at least a few weeks.

Ellis Short will surely hand funds to O’Neill after his incredible start to his Stadium of Light career as the American has shown commitment to the side in past transfer windows.

Financing moves for Darren Bent and deserter Asamoah Gyan in the past, the £13m necessary to sign Abdellaoue may just be made available after Bendtner’s injury.