An update has emerged on Sunderland and their search for a new striker during the current January transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to Sunderland Nation, the Black Cats are eyeing up a potential swoop to sign Peterborough centre-forward Jonson Clarke-Harris.

The report claims that the club are looking at possible striker signings to bolster their depth after Ellis Simms was recalled by Premier League side Everton.

It is stated that Sunderland sent scouts to watch the League One marksman in action and that Tony Mowbray is a big fan of the 28-year-old, although it remains to be seen how much it would take to snap him up this month.

Ross Stewart 2.0

Kristjaan Speakman could repeat his Stewart masterclass by swooping to sign Clarke-Harris before the end of the window as the forward has the potential to be a prolific goalscorer for the Black Cats.

The Scottish striker has plundered 38 goals in 76 competitive appearances for Sunderland since arriving from Ross County in January 2021 and has proven himself to be a sensational signing.

He has led the line brilliantly for the club for two years and played a huge role in the promotion to the Championship, by scoring 26 goals in 49 outings last season.

Clarke-Harris, meanwhile, has scored 60 goals in 122 matches for Peterborough in all competitions and has found the back of the net 13 times in 23 starts in League One this term.

The Jamaican, who has 121 career club goals, has fired in 44 goals in his last 69 appearances in the third tier of English football and this suggests that he is too good to be playing below the Championship.

His current manager, Darren Ferguson, once hailed the forward's all-round play as he told Peterborough Today: “Jonson’s goals have been valuable, but he’s more than just a goalscorer.

“He is a leader, a winner and a real focal point for this team. He was our number one target when Ivan Toney left and we had to work hard on his fitness when he first got here, but he’s been an outstanding signing and a real pleasure to work with."

The gem has also proven that he can do the business in the second division after he scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 32 starts for Peterborough last season.

Therefore, he could be Stewart 2.0 for Sunderland, arriving as a talismanic number nine who is capable of being prolific in League One whilst also being a reliable goalscorer in the Championship.