Sunderland linked with mystery Championship striker ahead of January window

According to the Scottish Sun, Phil Parkinson is keen on landing an unnamed forward from a second-tier club, with the player in question likely to arrive on loan.

In other Sunderland news, Farringdon-born midfielder Jordan Henderson and his Liverpool side were crowned ‘World Champions’ after winning the Club World Cup.

Liverpool got the better of Brazilian outfit Flamengo 1-0 in the final after extra time yesterday with Roberto Firmino’s goal in the 99th minute proving the difference between the two sides.

Henderson, who made 71 appearances for Sunderland, before leaving for Merseyside in 2011, has now won the League Cup, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup since departing the North East.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with The Echo, Duncan Watmore has revealed his pride for Sunderland, how he deals with social media negativity and talked about generous Christmas donation to a local soup kitchen.

Finally, Luke O’Nien has pledged his long-term future to Sunderland AFC - with his deal at the Stadium of Light set to be extended.

“The North East has welcomed me and my family, and on the football front it’s developed me as a player,” added O’Nien.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this great club. I know it’s not in the best part of its history, but I’ve loved playing for it.”

“I’ve still got a lot of work to do because it’s nowhere near where I want to be.”