Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho has been linked with a move to Sunderland and an £11 million bid has been made, according to reports, but would he be a good signing for the Black Cats?
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has previously worked with the player at his current club West Ham United and has hinted he could be interested in the 26-year-old.
Just one out-and-out striker in the squad
Sunderland recently released a number of players, including strikers Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham. Dame N’Doye will also return to Trabzonspor after an unsuccessful loan spell, leaving Sunderland with just one out and out striker in Jermain Defoe. Fans have expressed their desire for a target man to partner Defoe, who has had previous success of doing well with a tall striker like Sakho alongside him.
Sakho scored five goals in 21 appearances for West Ham in their last campaign and has 19 goals to his name since joining the Hammers from FC Metz in 2014, when he was signed by Allardyce for £3.5 million. However, Sakho has also had a history of injury problems throughout his career, which may be a deciding factor in Sunderland’s pursuit for him.
Sakho’s current club, West Ham United, have shown interest in different strikers in other leagues, including Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette for whom they had a bid rejected. A big money move for someone like Lacazette could push Sakho closer to a move away from the new Olympic Stadium.
Allardyce has named a forward as one of five key areas that need strengthening and Sakho could soon be the first signing of Sunderland’s summer transfer window.