Sunderland eyeing up South American striker
In addition to the long list of forwards being linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, it seems that Sunderland will increase their interest in Jackson Martinez with a view to making a summer move for the player.
The Jaguares striker is also reportedly on the radar of Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal so will supposedly have a selection of sides to choose from should he complete a switch to the Premier League.
Martinez has made 21 starts in the Mexican top division this campaign, scoring on 15 occasions and recording four assists.
The 25 year-old made a name for himself playing in his native Colombia with Independiente Medelin, for whom he is still one of their all-time top goalscorers after scoring 65 goals in just 84 league appearances for the South American side.
One can see why Martin O’Neill may be interested in signing Martinez given the distinct lack of attacking options at Wearside.
Before the recovery of Frazier Campbell earlier this year, Nicklas Bendtner was holding the fort as senior striker at the North East club with just youngsters Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-Won as backup.
Campbell has looked in decent form since spending 18 months on the sidelines but with Bendtner’s loan spell set to expire at the end of this season, transfers will surely be required if the Premier League side are to continue the improvements made under O’Neill’s reign so far.
Stephane Sessegnon has also taken on his fair share of the attacking bulk but with transfer speculation currently engulfing him, the future looks uncertain.
Their hunt for a striker looks even more assured when you consider that Asamoah Gyan will almost certainly be sold at the end of the season when his temporary deal at Al-Ain comes to an end.
Martinez isn’t the only attacking target being linked with the Black Cats but his prolific scoring rate makes him a very possible summer acquisition and at a valuation of just £8m, the player could prove to be a bargain.
