A major update has emerged regarding Sunderland's attempts to bolster their squad during the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to journalist Alan Nixon's Patreon, the Black Cats are closing in on the signing of Lille forward Isaac Lihadji before next week's transfer deadline.

The report claims that the 20-year-old is poised to become the latest signing for Tony Mowbray's side, following the arrival of Pierre Ekwah from West Ham United earlier this week, although it remains unclear as to whether he will link up with the squad immediately or in the summer.

French outlet La Voix Du Nord has backed this up by stating that the two clubs are in negotiations, adding that Sunderland are not set to pay any compensation to the Ligue 1 outfit as the forward's contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Jack Clarke 2.0

Kristjaan Speakman could unearth another gem on the wings by finalising this prospective deal to bring Lihadji to the Stadium of Light either this month or in the summer.

The Black Cats chief bolstered the squad last summer by striking a permanent deal to sign Jack Clarke from Premier League side Tottenham, and the 22-year-old has been in fine form this season.

In the current Championship campaign, the Englishman has produced four goals and six assists in 26 starts for Sunderland, creating 1.6 chances per match from out wide.

Clarke - who has explosive pace on the left flank - has proven himself to be a constant threat in the second tier, and Speakman could find the right-sided version of the gem in the form of Lihadji.

A left-footed right winger, the Lille attacker has fallen out of favour at Lille this season, but his form in Ligue 1 last term suggests that he has the potential to be an excellent signing for Sunderland.

Lihadji scored one goal and set up four for his team-mates in 13 appearances in the French top flight in 2021/22. That was despite starting just two matches and playing 227 minutes in total, which means that he played the equivalent of approximately 2.5 full games.

Therefore, the 20-year-old averaged a goal contribution every 45 minutes in Ligue 1, a stunning return for a player who does not turn 21 until April.

The dynamo, who talent scout Jacek Kulig previously hailed as "explosive", has showcased his talent in a major European league, which indicates that there is a quality player in there who Mowbray could unlock in the coming months and potentially years.

Like Clarke, Lihadji has shown that he has the talent to produce goals and assists from out wide, and the Frenchman could be Sunderland's next wing wizard to illuminate the Stadium of Light.