Sunderland were among the clubs to make a move to sign Brighton striker Julio Enciso in the January transfer window, Paraguayan journalist Christian Martin has reported.

The Black Cats endured a difficult month in the market when it came to their options in attack, with Ellis Simms being recalled from his loan spell at the Stadium of Light by parent club Everton.

Meanwhile, top scorer Ross Stewart has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury he suffered late in January.

That means that Joe Gelhardt, who joined on loan from Leeds United during the window, is now the club's only recognised striker who is fit and available.

However, it seems that the Black Cats did indeed try to add some further options to their attacking ranks before the market closed, in the form of Enciso, judging by these latest comments from Martin.

Speaking about the situation surrounding the Brighton striker in the January window, the reporter told Versus Paraguay: "Julio Enciso had the opportunity to go on loan to Sunderland or Sevilla but they need him at Brighton and that's why he stayed".

Enciso joined Brighton from the Libertad back in the summer transfer window, arriving at The AMEX Stadium for a reported £9.5million, and he has so far made eight appearances for the Seagulls.

The 18-year-old, who signed a four-year contract with the Premier League side in the summer, has already been capped nine times at senior international level by Paraguay.

The Verdict

You do get the feeling this will be a hugely frustrating update for those of a Sunderland persuasion.

With just one striker currently available to be called upon, they are walking a major tightrope in that position when it comes to fitness, something that has already caused the club problems this season.

As a result, the fact they have missed out on options in that position will be disappointing given how much now rests on Gelhardt, who will be feeling a lot of pressure at such an early stage of his career.

Indeed, with that in mind, you get the feeling it is essential that Sunderland act quickly to bring in a free agent centre forward option now the window has closed.