The January transfer window slams shut next week and Kristjaan Speakam is yet to add to Sunderland's attacking options at the top end of the pitch.

Tony Mowbray currently has one natural, senior, centre-forward in his squad heading into the final days of the month and could bring in another number nine to bolster his side.

Premier League side Everton decided to activate their recall clause on striker Ellis Simms at the start of January but the English marksman could now be on his way back to the Stadium of Light.

Football Insider recently reported that the Black Cats are in talks with the top-flight club over a deal that would see the forward return to Wearside heading into the second half of the season.

The report claims that the Toffees are set to green light a second loan deal for Simms if they are able to finalise the signing of Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Spanish outfit Villarreal.

Speakman could now complete Sunderland's attack by securing another swoop for the 22-year-old as the gem has already proven that he can be a success at the club.

Mowbray already has one prolific striker in the form of Ross Stewart, who has scored ten goals in 13 Championship appearances so far this season, and Simms could be superb competition for the Scotlamd international.

In the first half of the season, the former Hearts loanee plundered seven goals and two assists in 14 starts in the second tier, which shows that he has the quality to deliver goal contributions on a regular basis at this level.

His form for Sunderland also proved that he can thrive under Mowbray's management and means that the dynamo can hit the ground running in the coming months, whereas a fresh signing may need time to adjust to new tactics and teammates.

Simms, who was hailed as an "absolute nuisance" for the Black Cats by journalist Phil Smith, created five 'big chances' and provided 15 key passes in his 14 Championship starts and this shows that the youngster is an excellent provider as well as a goalscorer in his own right.

The terrific centre-forward, Toffees reporter Chris Smith once dubbed a "clinical finisher", is a proven performer in the second tier and has shown that he can compete and produce with Stewart for Sunderland, which is why his arrival could complete the club's attack for the rest of the campaign.