Transfer news: Sunderland and Brentford make contact over £28m striker deal, player stance outlined

Sunderland and Brentford have enquired about the availability of AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.

The Mexican international has been on the books at the San Siro since February, joining from Dutch outfit Feyenoord in a deal worth around £28 million. His time in Italy has delivered mixed results thus far, however, with a return of seven goals and five assists across 30 appearances in all competitions.

This season has proved particularly difficult for Gimenez, with the 24-year-old registering just one strike in 11 outings, and drawing a blank in each of his nine Serie A matches to date.

As such, there has been speculation on the continent that Milan could look to bring in another striker in January, with several names reportedly under consideration. According to CalcioMercato, FC Midtjylland’s Guinean talent Franculino Djú, Juventus' Jonathan David and Dusan Vlahovic, and Poland legend Robert Lewandowski are all said to be in the frame, with varying levels of likelihood anticipated.

Ultimately, however, much could hinge on Gimenez and whether he is willing to leave the club over the coming weeks. Both Sunderland and Premier League rivals Brentford are both understood to be keen on the forward, but an excerpt from CalcioMercato’s report would seemingly suggest that the duo could be facing an uphill battle to prise him away from Milan.

As per the continental title: “At the top of AC Milan's list of priorities for the January transfer window is adding an experienced and talented addition to Max Allegri's current central defender roster. Recruiting a new No. 9 is a close second, but this decision depends on Santiago Gimenez.

“Only if the former Feyenoord player leaves would sporting director Igli Tare press ahead with the market to find a player who fits his manager's footballing vision. Brentford and Sunderland have inquired and are interested in Bebote, who remains confident he can make a name for himself at AC Milan: AC Milan remains his priority for the present and future.”

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What is Sunderland’s current centre forward situation?

At the time of writing, Sunderland have three senior recognised options at the point of attack. Wilson Isidor has been Regis Le Bris’ preferred choice to lead the line in recent weeks, and has repaid his head coach’s faith with four goals in the Premier League so far this season.

Meanwhile, summer signing Brian Brobbey, who has been working his way back up to full match fitness following his arrival from Ajax, has made a notable impact in recent weeks after a relatively slow start to life on Wearside. A stoppage time assist in an unexpected away victory over Chelsea was swiftly followed by a last gasp equaliser against leaders Arsenal heading into the international break, suggesting that the Dutchman is start to find his range in the North East.

And finally, Le Bris also has Spanish youth international Eliezer Mayenda to call upon. The 20-year-old scored on the opening weekend against West Ham, but has since dropped out of the starting XI, and has struggled for consistent opportunities of late.

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