European club president hits out as Sunderland linked with prolific striker
Sunderland face a Championship play-off final before they can push on with transfer plans this summer.
The Black Cats will meet Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium, which will decide their immediate fate.
Alternative transfer lists have reportedly been drawn up in the North East, depending on which division the Wearsiders will play in next term.
However, that has not stopped Sunderland from being linked with players before the impending play-off decider.
Doubts cast over proposed Sunderland transfer
Whether Regis Le Bris’ side will be playing Premier League football or not next season, the North East club must invest.
While the Black Cats have shown great potential, some areas must be improved.
One position that could do with reinforcement is up front, with goals drying up for the Wearsiders towards the end of the season.
Currently, Sunderland have Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda as options, but the former has faltered since signing permanently in January.
| Wilson Isidor goal breakdown | Goals |
| Goals before signing permanent deal | 9 |
| Goals after signing permanent deal | 4 |
| Total goals | 13 |
Sunderland have now been credited with interest in Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat.
Vanat had an impressive season in front of goal, bagging 21 goals and eight assists for the Ukrainian outfit.
However, news on interest has been dampened by the European club’s president, Ihor Surkis, as per Sport-Express.ua (21 May).
He said: “All these are still just ‘fake news’ that have no confirmation. The club didn’t receive anything. If there are proposals, we will consider. Transfers are made in silence.”
Black Cats should invest in new striker
This summer looks set to follow the same narrative as the last, as Sunderland chase a new striker.
Le Bris’ current options are not lacking in potential, with both Mayenda and Isidor showing promise throughout the season.
Indeed, Mayenda has made significant progress and looks a real handful for opposition defenders.
However, he is young and will need time.
If Sunderland do achieve promotion to the Premier League, then the need for a new forward would grow stronger.
The Black Cats would have to improve their attacking arsenal, and a regular goalscorer must to be on the agenda.
Whether Vanat can be that man is unknown, but his numbers make for compelling reading.