Trusted reporter shares update on Sunderland's pursuit of Fulham striker Jay Stansfield

Originally posted on Sunderland on SI | By Luke Phelps | Last updated 8/22/23

Sunderland remain pursuit of Fulham attacker Jay Stansfield, and there is hope that a deal could still be agreed before this weekend.

That's according to Sunderland Echo's Phil Smith who has revealed in a recent Q&A that Stansfield remains a target, but that a deal has not yet been agreed; a move could, though, be finalised in time for this weekend's Championship clash away at Coventry City.

Reports linked Stansfield, 20, with a loan move to Sunderland earlier in the month, with the Black Cats rivalled by the likes of Millwall and QPR in this particular transfer chase.

Fulham academy product Stansfield shone on loan at Exeter City last season and looks set to make the step up to the Championship ahead of this campaign, and Tony Mowbray's Sunderland remain in desperate need of strikers.

He currently has Eliezer Mayenda and Ross Stewart sidelined, leaving Luis Hemir as his only fit, first-team striker - attacking midfielders have been filling in that position of late though, as they were throughout the last campaign.

Stansfield to Sunderland...

Stansfield certainly looks like a prospect, but whether or not he has the quality to come in and provide goals for Sunderland in the Championship remains to be seen.

Mowbray desperately needs Stewart back and fit. The Scot has proven ability in the Championship whereas Mowbray's other striking options don't.

The likes of Mayenda and Hemir could yet come good, but for now it's a struggle with Sunderland still relying on wingers and midfielders to score their goals.

Coventry City this weekend is another tough outing for the Black Cats who've started slowly, picking up their first points of the season in a home win v Rotherham United last weekend.