Sunderland will be looking to try and end a tough 2017 on a high-note as they take on Nottingham Forest this weekend in the Championship.

The men from the Stadium of Light have had another tough campaign so far this season but there is a feeling that they are capable of at least staying in the league.

Certainly, Chris Coleman has been pretty good in getting some performances out of his players and he'll be looking for that to continue, as well as keeping Lewis Grabban at the club.

The striker has been the main source of goals for the Black Cats so far this season but could leave at any point with him only on loan from Bournemouth.

Indeed, if the Cherries decide to cash in Sunderland might not be able to stop him leaving but so far Coleman hasn't heard anything to suggest that is going to happen.

Indeed, in good news for Black Cats fans, Coleman - as quoted by the Sunderland Echo - said:

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“I spoke to Martin [Bain] and we’ve had no contact about where Lewis is going.

“Yes, the clause is in the contract. He is not our player – that would be his choice, that would be Bournemouth’s choice.

“If that is going to happen then we would expect some type of contact from Bournemouth to tell us A, B or C and at the moment we haven’t had that.”

It might just be that no news is good news for Sunderland supporters, then, with them undoubtedly wanting to see the striker stay put at the club.

The Verdict

If Grabban stays at Sunderland they really should stay up.

He's been in good form this season and will get those crucial goals needed to avoid the drop.

Thoughts, Black Cats fans? Let us know below!