Jack Ross will be hoping for a very productive January as he looks to retain key men at Sunderland and make the few additions that are needed to help them secure automatic promotion.

One area the Black Cats boss clearly feels he needs to strengthen is up top, with Sky Sports reporting that they have lodged a bid for Will Grigg.

The Northern Ireland international has proven himself over the years in the third tier but does struggle with the step up.

Nevertheless, as a short-term option he would probably do a job.

However, here we look at THREE strikers that could perhaps be better options for the Black Cats in terms of what they can offer now and potentially next season if they did win promotion...

Nouha Dicko

The former Wolves man has struggled since he made the move to Hull and is on the fringes this season, predominantly featuring from the bench.

However, at his best he can be a real handful with his explosive pace and power.

Another who is proven in League One, he would add a lot to the Sunderland team and would be a good replacement for Josh Maja if the Wearside outfit are forced to sell.

Marc McNulty

It's fair to say that his summer move to Reading hasn't gone to plan, with the Irishman struggling for game time and form.

But, you have to remember just how good he was to Coventry that saw him earn a big move back to the second-tier.

He is an intelligent player and is a different option to what Ross currently has.

Matt Smith

The target man is another who is struggling for starts in the Championship, with Steve McClaren opting to use Smith as a sub virtually all the time.

That will have frustrated the striker who still has a lot to offer.

His strengths are clear and if he gets the right service he can be a massive problem to most defences in the Championship and League One.