Sky Bet League One side Sunderland have had a £300,000 bid rejected by Leyton Orient for attacker Josh Koroma, according to reports from the East London and West Essex Guardian.

The Black Cats are in the hunt for a new striker with just hours of the transfer window left, after the recent departure of top scorer Josh Maja to Bordeaux for a reported fee of £3.5million.

Koroma has been lighting up the National League for league leaders Leyton Orient - the 20-year-old has scored nine goals in 30 games for the O's this term, and has quickly become one of the most talented players in the fifth tier.

Reports have now emerged, however, that the London club have rejected a £300,000 bid from Sunderland for their most prized asset, with Sunderland searching frantically for a new striker.

Jack Ross' men have been searching frantically for a new striker over the last few days, however have reportedly failed in bids to sign Wigan Athletic's Will Grigg, as well as AFC Bournemouth's Sam Surridge.

The Black Cats also have Gillingham's Tom Eaves and Bristol City's Mo Eisa on their radar, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of an automatic promotion push this season.

The Verdict

Koroma is a player who I have admired and have liked the look of for a very long time, having been impressive for Orient when they were relegated to the National League from League Two.

He can play either out wide, behind the striker, or up front, and it's clear to see why Sunderland are eyeing him up as a potential Josh Maja replacement.

I think Sunderland may have to look elsewhere, however, as I highly doubt Orient will want to get rid of their star-man with just hours left in the window.