Sunderland and Ipswich track Premier League striker plus more interest in Man Utd forward

Sunderland are said to be keeping an eye on Fulham striker Jay Stansfield - a player they were tracking during the summer transfer window.

Stansfield, 21, signed for Championship club Birmingham on loan in August and has scored seven goals in 21 league appearances since the move to St Andrew's.

The striker's loan deal from Fulham could be cut short in January, with Sky Sports reporting both Sunderland and Ipswich are interested in a potential deal. It has also been claimed no discussions have taken place between Fulham and Birmingham about cutting Stansfield's loan deal short at this stage.

Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has hinted the club might look to bring in another striker in January, yet the Black Cats did sign four forwards during the summer window.

Ipswich are looking to bolster their attacking options in January, after forward George Hurst, who has scored six goals in 23 Championship appearances this season, suffered a significant hamstring injury on Boxing Day during a 1-1 draw against Leicester. Teenage striker Dane Scarlett has also been recalled by Tottenham after making 12 Championship appearances without scoring for Ipswich.

According to reporter Darren Witcoop from the Mirror, Manchester United forward Amad, who impressed on loan at Sunderland last term, is also on Ipswich's wish list, while Southampton remain keen on a loan move for the 21-year-old. Amad has been named in Ivory Coast’s preliminary squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament, which starts in January, yet it's still unclear if he will be involved after returning from a knee injury.