Kristjaan Speakman was watching on as Sunderland lost to Stoke City in the FA Cup as he readied himself for more transfer business. The Championship promotion hopefuls are being linked with a couple of major signings.

The Black Cats’ sporting director is said to have expressed an interest in two strikers following the signing of midfielder Enzo Le Fee as Sunderland look to bolster their squad. Reports have linked the Wearsiders with a loan move for Southampton’s former Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest attacker Ben Brereton Diaz along with former Everton youngster Tom Cannon.

As Chronicle Live reported on Sunday, Chile international Brereton Diaz has twice been bought for a fee of £7million and Sky Sports continues to link Sunderland and others with a deal. Sky's report commented: “Sheffield United, Sunderland and Blackburn all want Brereton Diaz on loan but Saints want an obligation to buy him inserted into any deal that triggers in the event any of those clubs is promoted from the Championship.

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“Diaz is believed to be keen on rejoining Sheffield United but it is only Sunderland who have so far indicated they are willing to agree to the obligation clause and so a move has yet to materialise.”

Sunderland’s shopping list does not stop there. The club has also been linked with another attacking player as Speakmam looks to boost the team’s chances of promotion to the Premier League this season. Ironically, that name is Tom Cannon, the young forward who is currently on loan at Championship rivals Stoke City and who scored against Sunderland in the FA Cup last weekend as the Black Cats lost 2-1 at the Stadium of Light after extra time. Cannon also netted the Potters’ winner at the Bet365 Stadium in the league earlier this season.

A fresh report from journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that Sunderland are interested in signing Cannon after placing several failed bids for the forward last summer, before the ex-Everton striker’s eventual loan move to Stoke City.

Nixon said: “Sunderland are also keen on a deal for Cannon as they plan to gamble on a couple of expensive loan-to-buy swoops. Sheffield Wednesday and Luton have inquired about Cannon, but Blades and Sunderland may be able to offer a full-time move in the negotiations.”