Sunderland make approach to seal Lawrence Shankland transfer after Ipswich twist
Sunderland are already making transfer plans ahead of the summer as they push for promotion to the Premier League.
The Black Cats are sitting on 69 points in the Championship, fourth in the table with just nine games left to play.
The Mackems limped to a 1-1 draw against Preston on Tuesday, with substitute Romaine Mundle curling a wonderful strike home to rescue a point at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland try to sign Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland
Regis Le Bris’ men do not yet know what division they will be plying their trade in next term, ahead of their probable participation in the Championship play-offs at the end of the regular campaign.
But ahead of the summer, the Mackems have already started negotiations to sign Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.
| Lawrence Shankland stats | 2024/25 all competitions |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 8 |
Graeme Bailey has reported with Not the Old Firm that both Ipswich and Sunderland have engaged with Shankland’s representatives ahead of a potential summer move.
He will be available on a free transfer next summer, as his contract with Hearts expires at the end of the current campaign.
Shankland could be a quality addition for the Mackems
The striker notched an impressive return of 31 goals and six assists in 47 appearances across all competitions last season, which epitomises the quality he has in the final third.
Regardless of if the Black Cats are in the Championship or Premier League next term, Shankland could provide Le Bris with goal-scoring prowess.
His haul of 24 goals and four assists in 37 Scottish Premiership appearances last season deservedly earned him a spot in the Scotland squad which competed in Euro 2024.
This season he has been somewhat less prolific, but has still managed a decent return of four goals and six assists in Scotland, while sometimes operating in a deeper role behind fellow strikers such as James Wilson and Elton Kabangu.
Such versatility could be a highly useful asset for a Sunderland side who thoroughly enjoy the services of forward Wilson Isidor, who has scored 12 Championship goals so far this season.