SUNDERLAND remain in talks with Westerlo over Matija Frigan and are hopeful of pushing through a deal for the striker.

But at this stage an agreement is not quite as close as some reports in Belgium suggest.

And Frigan is one of several strikers on Sunderland's radar, with other targets still being closely assessed.

Frigan, who has scored six goals in 21 appearances in the Belgian top flight this season, is of interest to Sunderland and discussions with Westerlo are ongoing.

But the Black Cats have several potential striker targets this month and continue to assess their options, with a fortnight of the window still remaining.

Reports overseas claimed Westerlo's preference is a permanent deal this month, but Sunderland have pushed for an initial loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season should the Black Cats win promotion.

Frigin, 21, a Croatia youth international who joined Westerlo from Rijeka in 2023, is said to be keen on the switch.

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While talks with Westerlo progress, Sunderland continue to assess other potential targets this month. Regis Le Bris has previously suggested he wants to sign a striker and a versatile forward. The head coach has also discussed the importance of signing players who are ready to go straight into his side and play a key role in the second half of the Championship season, using Chris Mepham as a summer example.

Le Fee went straight into the starting XI for Friday night's draw at Burnley.

Sheffield United look set to win the race to sign Tom Cannon from Leicester City, while Ben Brereton-Diaz is also Blades-bound.

Sunderland held talks with Leicester over Cannon but Sheffield United were always felt to be favourites to sign the former Stoke loanee and Brereton-Diaz, for geographical and personal reasons.

Chris Wilder said at the weekend: “We’re close. We’re close on one that’s been floating about today [Brereton Diaz] and another couple.

“We’re after five new players and I expect to sign them all. We’re close on three, we’re talking to number-one targets."