Lee Johnson and Kristjaan Speakman have a big job on their hands in January.
It will be up to the duo to negotiate Sunderland through a transfer window which could make or break their promotion bid. So, who should they target?
What’s the word?
Johnson has made it clear that the Mackems need players capable of stretching the play in January.
As a result, we can assume that he will be in the market to sign either some strikers or wingers who can beat their man and score goals.
Where will they target? Well, if William Storey manages to secure a takeover and buy Sunderland from Stewart Donald then he’s already admitted he’ll look at Premier League clubs for loans.
Consequently, The Sunderland Echo have pieced together a list of targets the Black Cats could sign. One player is Liverpool attacker Liam Millar.
In their report, they stated that he may represent an attractive option for the Black Cats and it’s certainly a viable move.
After all, the 21-year-old was linked with the north-east side in 2018 when Jack Ross was in charge at the Stadium of Light. Phil Parkinson also reportedly wanted to bring Millar to Sunderland last summer (Goal, via the 72) so he’s clearly someone the club have been keeping a close eye on.
Bye-bye Grigg
If Sunderland want to sign rapid players in January then Millar certainly fits that definition to perfection.
The youngster has scored five goals in just 14 outings for Liverpool U23s this season through a mixture of playing up top and on the left-wing.
Speaking about the forward in 2018, This is Anfield writer Jack Lusby said: “His finishing is stellar, and his movement on and off the ball make him an excellent option up front or out wide. He can beat a man with ease and has a variety of finishes in his armoury.”
Lusby added: “He’s clearly a big talent.”
That, in a nutshell, is exactly what Johnson requires in January. He’s suggested that he wants a forward capable of getting in behind but that’s a rather damning assessment on Will Grigg.
As far as Sunderland’s current strikers go, he is probably the most nimble. However, he’s failed to score this season and has just eight goals to his name since signing in January 2019.
If Millar does indeed sign on the dotted line next month, it would only be detrimental for Grigg. It doesn’t feel like he’ll ever make it at Sunderland.
Millar, on the other hand, could easily make a difference to Johnson’s team.