Sunderland close in on surprise signing of former Middlesbrough striker

SUNDERLAND are closing in on the signing of free agent striker Aaron Connolly.

Connolly has been without a club since he was released by Hull City in the summer.

The 24-year-old is a nine-time Republic of Ireland international but lost his way somewhat in recent seasons and was sent out on a string of loan moves by Brighton before leaving the Premier League club in 2023.

Connolly spent half a season on loan at Middlesbrough in 2022, where he scored two league goals in 19 appearances during Chris Wilder's time in charge.

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Boro opted against making that move permanent and Connolly instead headed for Italy, where he spent time with Venezia. He then joined Hull on loan in a deal that was made permanent last summer. The striker only lasted a season at the MKM Stadium, despite scoring eight league goals last term.

Sunderland turned to the free agent market after deadline day signing Ahmed Abdullahi was ruled out for up to three months after undergoing surgery on a groin injury.

Abdullahi's injury has left Sunderland short up-front, with Eliezer Mayenda establishing himself as Le Bris' first choice ahead of Nazariy Rusyn, who would have been allowed to go out on loan in the summer had the Black Cats managed to bolster their attack.

Wilson Isidor is another option for Le Bris, but the summer recruit is a versatile attacker rather than an out and out striker.

Talks with Connolly are continuing and as things stand it's understood a deal is looking increasingly likely.