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The Black Cats could gain the ultimate attacking advantage…
As Sunderland attempt to reclaim their Championship play-off spot, Michael Beale and his team are apparently aiming to strengthen their offensive options, with transfer reports linking the Black Cats to Kieffer Moore.
However, those at The Stadium of Light have apparently shifted their focus to a new player who is likely ripe for a major move.
Sunderland Transfer News
It’s no surprise that Sunderland are trying to strengthen their frontline, as Championship statistics illustrate their struggles in front of goal. No team has scored fewer than the Black Cats’ 37 goals in the top half, which is concerning given their play-off hopes. However, the arrival of a new face to lead the brand has the potential to alleviate this problem. According to recent sources, Sunderland has selected Bournemouth’s Moore as a major target this month.
If they are unable to sign the Welshman, they may look elsewhere in English football for a player who is more than ready for the next stage. According to HITC’s Graeme Bailey, Sunderland are interested in recruiting Macaulay Langstaff from Notts County, who just lost manager Luke Williams to Swansea City.
Losing Langstaff so soon after would obviously be a significant setback, but given the forward’s £1.5 million price tag, it’s unclear whether he’ll be leaving. Sunderland will apparently have to compete with Derby County, Peterborough United, Hearts, Wrexham, and Birmingham City to sign the attacker.
“Special” Langstaff may star in the Championship.
![Wrexham eyeing goal machine Macaulay Langstaff from League Two rivals Notts County - months after he was told to 'f*ck off' by Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney | Goal.com](https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt17495f22878c8b80/65560e963efe7d040a394fff/GOAL_-_Blank_WEB_-_Facebook_-_2023-11-16T123215.869.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
After playing a key role in Notts County’s promotion from the National League last season, Langstaff and his team have carried up where they left off to push for a spot in the League Two play-offs. Given the forward’s rise over the last three seasons, it comes as no surprise that those at a higher level are now associated with him.
Langstaff’s stats indicate a player poised to advance a level or two. Since the 2021/22 season, the attacker has scored 92 goals and has already scored 20 in just 29 games across all competitions this season. If Sunderland wish to remedy their goal-scoring problem, Langstaff could be the man Beale could look to. Some may be concerned about Langstaff’s ability to move up two levels, but his stats since moving to League Two show that he has no issue adjusting and improving his game with each season.
Former boss Williams gave the 26-year-old well-deserved praise, saying:
“He is very special, and we must enjoy the time we have with him on the pitch, which hopefully will be for a long time.” You never know, but let’s enjoy having Macca on the pitch and seeing what he brings to us.”