Sunderland's abysmal campaign so far has seen everything go drastically wrong. From the poor defending to a lack of creativity in the final third, the Black Cats have looked like they are doomed for the Championship with every passing game this season.

One element of hope could come in the form of the January transfer window. The January window can be a disaster, it can be a huge turning point in your campaign, but Sunderland need it to be a winner if they are to avoid the drop.

Charlie Austin is clearly a target for so many of the Premier League sides and the QPR man could be the player that keeps Allardyce's side in the top flight.

Admittedly, Sunderland are going to need more than the one addition to turn their season around, but Austin may well be the ideal starting point.

Here are FIVE reasons whyAustin is ideal for Sunderland...

Fletcher's failings

Fletcher

Despite some good runs of form during his time in the North-East, Fletcher is beginning to fail more often than not and he has not managed to be a regular goal threat for quite some time now.

The sale of Wickham did not change the form of Fletcher and it looks as though Defoe is comfortably above the ex-Wolves man in the pecking order. Both injuries and a lack of creativity have made it very hard for Fletcher.

Goals equal safety

Austin2

 

Due to their woes last season, Austin's goals weren't enough to keep QPR in the league, but a reliable front man is often the difference between safety and relegation doom.

Whilst Fletcher and Defoe misfire, the addition of Austin would make a huge difference to the prospects of Sunderland's 2016 and the centre forward would hopefully prove to be the difference.

Blocking Rivals

McClaren

Austin is likely to be a target for many of the sides in the bottom half of the table and it makes it even more crucial that the Black Cats can stop their direct rivals from signing a regular goal scorer.

The difference it might make to any side around them in the table would be significant and Sunderland can't afford to lose any more ground.

Bargain Hunt

Austin

 

QPR's star man is likely to be available for a cut price this winter and is an offer too good to miss out on if you are Sam Allardyce.

Austin's proven record in the Premier League along with the fees that are being mentioned for him make him a brilliant deal.

TV Money Gold

shut up and take my money meme

With the new TV deal approaching, the benefit of staying in the top flight is greater than ever and it makes it an absolute necessity to splash the cash this winter for the longer-term benefits.

The signing of Austin would be a huge step forward for the Black Cats and is likely to keep the board very happy when they see their accounts in 12 months' time.