An update has emerged on Sunderland's pursuit of Rotherham striker Freddie Ladapo...

What's the talk?

According to Football League World, the Black Cats are keen on a deal for the attacker and want to bring him to the Stadium of Light this month.

The report claims that he has handed in a transfer request to Paul Warne and is out of contract at the end of the campaign, with Sunderland now looking to pounce on his situation.

Masterclass

Lee Johnson could seal a masterclass by landing a deal for Ladapo this month as the move could strengthen his own team whilst weakening a promotion rival at the same time.

Goal difference is the only thing currently separating the two teams at the top of the League One table, with Sunderland and Rotherham both on 50 points as it stands. This shows how tight the competition is between the sides and suggests that the Yorkshire-based outfit are the club's main competitor for the title and automatic promotion to the Championship.

Therefore, taking one of their top performers could weaken them and improve Sunderland's chances of achieving success this season. Ladapo has ten goals and assists in just 14 League One starts for Rotherham, with striker Michael Smith the only player with more goals for the club than him this term.

This shows that the predator is one of their most important forwards and that losing him would take a major goal threat from Warne's team, whilst adding one to Johnson's. Ladapo has proven that he can score goals and provide assists at this level and he could bring those qualities to the Black Cats in the second half of the campaign.

Rotherham boss Warne previously lauded the attacker, saying: "Freddie has played a lot of minutes off the bench and I appreciate that. Nobody wants to be told they’re effective off the bench.

“He’s a goalscorer and guarantees goals. He’s not afraid to miss.”

Nathan Broadhead, with five, is the club's second top scorer behind Ross Stewart (17) and this means that Ladapo's eight league goals this season would make him their second-best option in front of goal.

Therefore, he could be a superb addition to the squad and a masterclass of a signing from Johnson as it could give them a major advantage in the race for promotion.

AND in other news, Lost 89% duels: SAFC dud who misplaced ball every 4.8 touches let Johnson down badly...