Sunderland AFC transfer news: Cats linked with January swoop for Stoke City's Peter Crouch

Sunderland are lining up a January move for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch, according to reports.
Sunderland manager David Moyes.Sunderland manager David Moyes.
Sunderland manager David Moyes.

The Sun report Sunderland boss David Moyes is looking to reunite Crouch with top scorer Jermain Defoe, the pair having played together previously at Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth.

Funds will be limited in January and Crouch will be a cheaper alternative to Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa - who has fallen down the pecking order at the Premier League champions.

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The Foxes are reported to want £10million for the former Brighton & Hove Albion forward, which may see Sunderland prioritise Crouch instead.

The experienced 35-year-old has struggled for game time under Mark Hughes at Stoke this season and a move to Wearside for more regular football would appeal.

Crouch has featured in just six Premier League games this season, and just 18 last season with all five of his last Stoke goals coming in the cup competitions.

Sunderland had been relying on Defoe in the opening months of the campaign but summer signing Victor Anichebe has come into his own, scoring three goals in the victories over Bournemouth and Hull City.

The Black Cats are short in the striking department, though, and Crouch would be an experienced option to add to the squad.