Transfers: Sunderland set to miss out on 15-goal striker nicknamed 'Canadian Messi' during window

Sunderland have been linked with another striker ahead of the summer transfer window but look set to miss out on the deal.

Motherwell striker Theo Blair enjoyed a good season in the Scottish Premiership, scoring 15 goals and providing five more assists in 41 games for Stuart Kettlewell’s side. That form has prompted interest in the Canada international centre-forward from clubs in England and Europe.

Reports have stated that Championship trio Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City are all admirers of Bair. However, HITC also claims that Bundesliga newcomers St Pauli are in “pole position as things stand” and that Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City are likely to “miss out” on signing the player.

Blair’s contract expires in the summer of 2025, meaning Motherwell will likely have to sell this summer to recoup a decent fee. Blair has been nicknamed the “Canadian Messi” by Motherwell fans.

“We brought Theo in for nothing, and for significantly less money than what he was on previously. All he wanted was to get a chance to see if he could springboard himself forward, set some milestones at this club, and see where it took us,” Kettlewell said this week. “That’s exactly what we’ve done.

“I’m certainly not in a rush to try and move big Theo on. But money talks in this game. And if someone puts a significant amount of money forward for his services, that’s how the game works. If someone throws a chunk of money at you then there will be a conversation.”