Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has revealed that the club have rejected two bids for Sunderland target Liam Boyce this month.

The Black Cats are definitely in the market for a striker this month as they look to replace the expected-to-be-departed Will Grigg and Marc McNulty who haven’t hit the heights that many thought they would this season.

It was a slow start for Sunderland in League One as they licked the wounds of a crushing play-off defeat last season, and this saw Phil Parkinson come in to replace Jack Ross and struggle to make any early positive impact.

However, with January arriving, the Black Cats’ form has turned around and they have managed to do strong business in signing Kyle Lafferty, and are looking for more recruitments to help their push into the play-offs grow even more.

One player who they have been constantly linked with this month is Burton Albion striker Liam Boyce, who has been in strong form for the Brewers since arriving from Scotland.

Speaking to Burton’s official website, Nigel Clough confirmed that the club have received and rejected two bids for the 28-year-old recently. When commenting on Boyce’s potential move, Clough was brief, stating: “There is still interest in Liam Boyce and we have had two bids which have been rejected.”

It is yet to be confirmed whether Sunderland were one of the clubs bidding for him, but it would seem extremely likely, given their well-documented interest in the Northern Irish forward.

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The verdict

Sunderland are eager to make a number of signings this window and it is no surprise with Parkinson having his first chance to bolster the squad since being appointed in October.

He is targeting a number of positions to strengthen but adding goals to the side should be a priority now after the defence has tightened up of late, along with the arrival of Bailey Wright from Bristol City.

Boyce has netted just eight times in the league this season but most notably scored a consolation goal in their EFL Cup defeat to Leicester City earlier in the season.

This could be a very smart signing for the Black Cats if they pull it off as they are taking a top player from a direct rival for the play-offs and adding more confidence to their frontline which has been sorely lacking in recent months.