Phil Parkinson has said that he hopes to sign a new striker on order to send Benji Kimpioka out on loan.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects at Sunderland at the moment after bursting onto the first team scene in Autumn last years.
A regular role in Parkinson's side, however, hasn't materialised with the Black Cats' boss opting for experience in attack as he looks to get the team firing once again.
And with Kimpioka at a crucial stage in his development, Parkinson says that it would be hugely beneficial to send the forward out to get regular game time.
Speaking to the press, as quoted by Sunderland Echo, Parkinson said: “I spoke to Kevin Ball last week about the possibility of Benji going out on loan.
“What I’d like to do is have enough striker options where we can let him go on loan, because I think he’s at the stage where he needs to go and play in someone’s first team and show that he’s got that consistent level to be a first team player.
“Ideally, that’s what we’re going to do.
“We are making enquiries with other clubs about his availability.”
Of course the contract situation surrounding Benj Kimpioka complicates things somewhat.
Can you name every Sunderland player's shirt number this season?
The youngster is out of contract in the summer and is yet to respond to an offer made by the Black Cats - something which Parkinson says could complicate things in the eyes of the owner, Stewart Donald.
He said: "Obviously, I would have to speak to the owner for his stance on that.
“But for Benji’s development and for us to see whether he’s going to be a player, I think he’s ready to go and play men’s football somewhere.”
The verdict
A loan move would certainly be best for Benji Kimpioka.
Putting his contract situation to one side, the 19-year-old would certainly benefit from playing regular first team football.
If that can be done it could do wonders for his development.