Sunderland are now reportedly keeping close tabs on a £30m attacker in what could turn into a fierce transfer race against rivals Newcastle United.
Sunderland racing Newcastle to sign £30m star
The Black Cats are as bold as ever in the transfer window these days and that was on show for all to see on deadline day, as they welcomed Nilson Angulo and showed the door to Simon Adingra.
The 22-year-old is no doubt one to watch, having already scored seven goals and assisted another eight in Belgium prior to his mid-season switch to the Stadium of Light.
After welcoming his new signing, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told the club website: "Nilson is an incredibly exciting prospect, and we are delighted he’s chosen to join Sunderland.
"A quick and creative wide player, he excels in all the core actions required to impact the final third, and he arrives ambitious to make an impression.
"He’s young but has already had many interesting experiences as a senior player domestically, on the European stage, and internationally with Ecuador. We are delighted to have completed this signing and look forward to welcoming Nilson to Wearside."
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Given their top-half ambitions, Angulo is unlikely to the final ambitious name that arrives in Wearside this year, either. The summer transfer window will offer Sunderland another chance to boost Regis Le Bris' squad, as they look to become a household name in the Premier League again.
To that end, names like Endrick have even threatened to steal the headlines as of late. The Real Madrid star has been on fire during his loan spell at Lyon and that has caught the attention of Sunderland.
Liam Delap, meanwhile, is also one to watch. According to TeamTalk, Sunderland are keeping close tabs on Delap and could battle Newcastle for his signature in the summer.
£30m Delap could get back to his best at Sunderland
It's fair to say that Delap hasn't had the best time at Chelsea. Since arriving from Ipswich Town in a move worth around £30m in the summer, the forward has scored just twice in all competitions and started nine Premier League games.
With the revolving door of attackers set to swing open in the summer, welcoming Nicolas Jackson back and the arrival of Emmanuel Emegha, the former Ipswich man would arguably be wise to move on.
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If it comes down to Sunderland and Newcastle, it may be the Black Cats who have the advantage simply because they can offer Delap much-needed consistency.
Whilst the Magpies can call on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Sunderland could do with adequate backup for Brian Brobbey amid concerns over Wilson Isidor's long-term future.
Get Delap back to his best and he could turn into an excellent signing, too. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna certainly rated him during his time at Portman Road, going as far as to describe him as "incredible".