Sunderland's hopes of signing Daniel Jebbison appear to be over, with the latest reports suggesting that he is set to join Burton Albion on a season-long loan.

What's the word?

The Black Cats have been heavily linked with the 18-year-old in recent weeks, with Johnson looking to add to the attacking options in his squad as Sunderland target promotion back to the Championship.

However, they appear to have been pipped to his signing by fellow League One side Burton Albion, with BBC Radio Sheffield journalist Rob Staton suggesting on Twitter that the teenager is heading to the Brewers.

Would Jebbison have been a good signing?

Although Jebbison has very little first team experience, he burst onto the scene at Sheffield United late last season and scored on his Premier League debut in a 1-0 win against Everton.

Sunderland lost Charlie Wyke during the summer after his impressive season in front of goal, whilst Will Grigg looks unlikely to re-establish himself at the Stadium of Light after a number of loan spells away, which leaves Johnson relatively short of attacking options.

Ross Stewart has enjoyed a strong start to the season with four goals in five league games thus far, but other than the former Ross County man, Johnson only has young forwards Nathan Broadhead and Benjamin Kimpioka to call upon.

Although Jebbison would also have been an inexperienced option, he would've added to Johnson's squad depth, and his performances in the Premier League at the end of last season suggest that he could've been very dangerous in League One.

Micah Richards was full of praise for the teenage striker last season, saying: “It shows that little bit of confidence, he’s getting in the right areas, and at just 17 to score on your debut is fantastic.

“That’s what they needed, they needed that little bit of a lift. I would call that bursting onto the scene!

“I really like the look of him. He just gets in the right areas, and they needed that with all the negativity that’s gone on at the club.

“You want to bounce back straight away, and you want to go to the end of the season with positivity.

“They’re playing for pride, and he’s the shining light.”

Therefore, Johnson will no doubt be disappointed to miss out on Jebbison, especially to a Burton side who, whilst resurgent under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, were fighting relegation for much of last season, whereas Sunderland are currently top of the third tier.

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