Sunderland AFC news: Allardyce closes in on £9million signing, West Ham track striker, winger extends loan

The deal for the 24-year-old Tunisian international could be completed over the weekend, ahead of Monday's 11pm deadline.

Sam Allardyce admitted yesterday that a forward was his priority for the remainder of the January transfer window after the Black Cats have been looking at attack-minded options for several weeks.

And the Black Cats have moved quickly to secure Khazri after it became clear Andre Ayew is unlikely to be heading to the Stadium of Light.

Full story click here:One player that has been linked with a move away from Sunderland this month is Scottish striker Steven Fletcher - with Premier League rivals West Ham United said to be tracking him.

Fletcher is out-of-contract at the end of the season and Sunderland have put all talks over a new deal on hold until their fate is known in the relegation battle.

That has prompted surprise speculation over a move to Shanghai Shenhua - the Chinese side who have already signed ex-Chelsea frontman Demba Ba - and now West Ham.

However, the Echo understands that long-term admirers Celtic are the main suitors for Fletcher and the Scottish international is equally tempted to play for the SPL champions at some stage of his career.

For the very latest Sunderland AFC news head to the blog here:And finally, Will Buckley has extended his loan deal with Championship side Birmingham City until the end of the season.

As revealed by the Echo, Gary Rowett has been keen to extend the initial one-month deal for the wideman.

And it has been confirmed today, helping Sam Allardyce clear more wages from the books at Sunderland as he continues attempts to strengthen his squad.

The 26-year old winger has made two appearances for Gary Rowett’s side since joining earlier this month, scoring in their 3-0 win over Ipswich Town last week.

For the very latest Sunderland AFC news head to the blog here: