Sunderland are well in with a chance of getting themselves safe this season with the battle in the Championship very close indeed.

The Black Cats still aren't safe but, fortunately enough for them, neither is half of the division and so there is more than enough time to get themselves out of this rut.

For sure, though, Chris Coleman is going to be looking at getting someone new into the side before the end of the window and there is one obvious weakness - up front.

With that in mind, then, we think that if they could sign Chris Martin on loan it would completely define their season and surely make it one where they remain in the Championship.

The £4.05m forward has been rumoured with a move from Derby a lot this month and plenty of sides could do with his experience and goals up top.

With Derby not wanting him to go to a promotion rival, though, Sunderland could be in the driving seat with their need for goals greater than most.

Both their senior strikers from the first half of the campaign are no longer around with the youngsters having to carry the mantle at the moment.

They are bright prospects, too, but it's a huge risk to leave them to it and so things could largely depend on Chris Martin arriving.

If Sunderland get him they're on course to stay up it not, they're looking desperately short.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know below!