Regis Le Bris flags up a problem with Sunderland's January striker search
REGIS LE BRIS admits Sunderland are facing intense competition from both within the Championship and a number of Europe’s leading leagues as they look to sign a striker this month.
Having completed the loan signing of Enzo Le Fee, who made his Black Cats debut in Friday’s draw at Burnley, Sunderland’s overriding priority for the rest of the transfer window is to land a new forward.
They have made a number of approaches in the last week, but have so far been unable to get a deal over the line.
Talks over Tom Cannon remain ongoing, but Leicester City are in discussions with a number of clubs over the forward, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Stoke City.
Ben Brereton Diaz is another target, although Sheffield United are on the verge of announcing the completion of a deal for the Chile international, who was in the stands at Bramall Lane yesterday watching the Blades' 2-0 win over Norwich City.
Sunderland have also been credited with an interest in Matija Frigan, a 21-year-old Croatian forward who currently plays in the Belgian top-flight with Westerlo.
Le Bris has openly acknowledged the need for a new striker following the departure of Aaron Connolly, who has joined Millwall, but the Black Cats boss accepts the club are having to operate in an extremely crowded market.
“It’s possible (to sign a forward),” said Le Bris. “But I think many teams in the Championship and other leagues are searching for this player who can make a difference.
“We need a bit more depth in our squad at the top of the pitch. It’s an option for us, but we'll see in the next two weeks before the end of the transfer window.”
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Le Fee’s arrival was rubberstamped at an early stage of the window, with the French midfielder having impressed as he made his debut at Turf Moor on Friday.
With Le Bris retaining a central-midfield trio of Dan Neil, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, Le Fee started in a wide position on the left-hand side, and looked at home as he settled into life in the Championship.
Le Bris worked with the 24-year-old during his time in charge of Lorient, and was always confident he would take the move to England in his stride.
“I think it (Le Fee’s debut) was good,” said the Sunderland boss. “He was really well connected with the team out of possession. That's important because, away, you have to be clever and connected with your team-mates and face with the opposition qualities.
“He did well. And with the ball, he's able to play under pressure so he can (handle) difficult situations very well. I think he showed some good qualities. It's just the beginning, but I'm very confident for the future.”
