Sunderland AFC: Ivorian striker on Black Cats radar ahead of January transfer window | OneFootball

Sunderland are keen to bolster their forward line and have been linked with a move for the Halmstads BK striker.

Sunderland have been linked with a move for Halmstads BK striker Yannick Agnero as the club looks set to strengthen in the January transfer window.

According to Ivorian outlet 225foot, the Black Cats are keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old, with the Wearsiders seeking to bolster their front line to aid their promotion push.

The report claims that a host of clubs across Europe are watching Agnero, who only signed for the Allsvenskan club from FC Nordsjælland a few months ago in August 2024.

Sunderland targeting a striker in January, with Yannick Agnero fitting the bill

Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Sunderland will be targeting attacking players in January, with Agnero one of several forwards linked with the North East outfit.

The striker played a key role in Halmstads avoiding relegation from the Swedish top flight by scoring the winner in the club's penultimate game of the season against Djurgårdens IF, which came just a few months after he arrived at the club.

The Swedish league came to an end last month with Agnero contributing four goals in eleven matches as his side finished the season in 12th position.

At 21, the striker fits in with the Black Cats' recruitment policy of signing young players with potential, with Kristjaan Speakman keen to boost Le Bris' squad.

Sunderland need some fresh striker competition in January

Sunderland are currently the fourth highest-scoring side in the Championship this season, behind only Leeds United, Norwich City and Middlesbrough. However, they have found goals harder to come by in the last couple of months.

The Black Cats were rampant at the start of the campaign with 21 goals in their first 11 matches, but have seen a decline in numbers, with 15 goals in their last 11 league games.

The Wearsiders have found a return to scoring form in recent weeks though, with 10 goals in their last five, but the club are short of options in the striker position.

Wilson Isidor has been Le Bris' preferred choice up top and is the club's top scorer, with six Championship goals to his name so far this season. Past Isidor, the club have Aaron Connolly and Ahmed Abdullahi, but the latter is yet to make an appearance since his summer move from Gent because of injury.

Sport.ua reporting that LNZ Cherkasy and Metalist 1925 are keen on the forward's services.

With Rusyn set to depart, ther door is open for the Black Cats to sign a new striker, and they will need to do so if they are to challenge for the automatic promotion places.

As January approaches, it is reassuring that Sunderland have been open about their aspirations to bolster their forward line in January. This is an area that needs strengthening if the club are to challenge the top two.

While Isidor has shown patches of class for the Wearsdiers, the club needs strength in depth and Agnero could provide the perfect answer for the Black Cats.