Sunderland AFC news: Toulouse want £4m for Cats target, Allardyce's divine intervention, 'miraculous' Kone

West Bromwich Albion frustrated Allardyce and his Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light at the weekend, the goalless draw leaving the Black Cats four points from safety.

Sunderland peppered the West Brom goal with 22 attempts but found an inspired Ben Foster standing in the way.

"I need to go back to church and start praying," Allardyce told the BBC.

"I can't ever imagine in my long career dominating a game for so long, creating so many chances and not winning it.

"It's a cruel blow on the basis of the position that we're in... in such desperate need that we are for points."

For the very latest Sunderland AFC news follow us on Twitter @sunechosafc and via www.sunderlandecho.comMeanwhile, Sunderland's pursuit of Toulouse forward Martin Braithwaite is ongoing.

As first revealed by the Echo, Allardyce and his scouting network have been keeping close tabs on the striker ahead of the summer.

And reports in the national press today claim Toulouse want just £4million for the former Esbjerg man.

He has scored 11 goals in all competitions for Toulouse this season and the £4million fee which should be well within Sunderland's budget even if they do drop down into the Championship.

Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and West Ham United have also been linked.

Like our Sunderland Echo SAFC Facebook page to keep up-to-speed with the latest developments from the Stadium of Light: And finally, Allardyce has been hailing the instant impact made by £5million January recruit, Lamine Kone.

A delighted Big Sam said: "His (Kone’s) consistent level of performance has been miraculous considering he only joined us in January.

"He looks like he’s played in the Premier League all his career.

"That’s the good thing for us.

"At the moment, it looks like John and Younes are fighting for the one place, unless we go to a back three."

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