Sunderland are interested in bringing Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty to the Stadium of Light according to journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter.

The Northern Ireland international only linked up with the Edinburgh-based side in the summer from Norwich City, but the Tynecastle outfit could be tempted to part with the player if a cash offer were to materialise from the Black Cats.

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman is in desperate need of a proven goalscorer as he attempts to stave off successive relegations for the club, with top scorer Lewis Grabban having headed back to parent club Bournemouth earlier in the month.

Lafferty began his career in England with Burnley before representing the likes of Rangers, Palermo and Sion, and could be the man tasked with keeping the Wearsiders afloat in the coming months.

The Verdict

Whatever anybody says about Kyle Lafferty, the player knows when to score important goals, as witnessed by his record with the Northern Ireland national side.

The 30-year-old is still young enough to excel in the English second tier, and although he was deemed surplus to requirements in the summer by Norwich, Coleman is of the belief that Lafferty could be the man to restore success to his side.

Funding a move may prove a potential stumbling block, but if Coleman can free up funds in the coming days, a move for Lafferty certainly wouldn’t be the worst addition to his squad.

Sunderland fans, let us know your thoughts!