Sunderland are set to secure a deal for Livingstone striker Matthew Knox after a successful trial period at the club, according to the Daily Record.

The Black Cats are in the midst of a serious relegation battle as they sit rock bottom of the Championship table, and with Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan departing, the side are in desperate need of striking reinforcements.

Is 18-year-old Matthew Knox the man to fill the void? Is it just a signing for the future? Is it a good signing?

We discuss.....

George Dagless

It's a signing but not one they really need.

Make no mistake, Knox is probably a decent player but he is another young talent to add to a squad that needs experience.

I'd be very surprised if Chris Coleman doesn't add some older heads during the window as well.

Alfie Burns

Sunderland need a striker, and although Knox doesn’t have much experience, he could be a fairly risk free addition to Coleman’s squad.

Coleman appears keen to work with young players, and having taken a look at the 18-year-old recently, he will know what Sunderland are getting hold of.

An experienced striker must follow, but this could be a good start to addressing a problem position.

Sam Preston

Is he really ready for a relegation battle?

Sunderland need an experienced striker to carry the can. Going into the relegation dogfight at the bottom of the league and armed only with young, inexperienced strikers looks like a recipe for disaster.

You only need to look at the impact Gary Madine is having at Bolton to see how vital an experienced striker can be to a struggling team and that is what Sunderland need.

Chris Gallagher

If he's one for the future, it's a good deal.

Despite their precarious position, Sunderland should always be on the lookout for talented youngsters and Knox looks to have great potential.

However, the big issue is the first-team and they need to sign proven, experienced players instead of young kids to get out of this mess.