Sunderland have reportedly targeted Burton Albion's Liam Boyce as they continue to look to strengthen their attacking line. 

The Black Cats are looking to strengthen their squad over the January window with a striker reportedly on Phil Parkinson's shopping list.

Sunderland moved into the play-off places following their stunning 4-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday and will hope they can maintain a top-six finish.

Boyce has seven League One goals in 23 appearances so far this term, and the Sunderland Echo have reported that the 28-year-old is a player the Black Cats are monitoring.

Sunderland have already seen the arrival of Kyle Lafferty this January window, with the 32-year-old joining on a short-term deal on Friday, but despite this still seem in the hunt for another forward.

On Saturday, Burton boss Nigel Clough confirmed to the club's official media channels that the Brewers had turned down an offer for Boyce from an unnamed club.

Boyce joined the Brewers from Ross County for a club-record fee in the summer of 2017 and has gone on to score 30 goals in 92 appearances for Nigel Clough's men.

As well as his seven league goals so far this term, Boyce has also netted six in the EFL and FA Cups, taking his overall tally to 13 and positioning himself as the Brewers top goalscorer.

The Verdict

There is no doubt Sunderland are going to bolster their attacking line this window, and they look determined to secure an additional striker in the coming days.

For me, I think Burton have shown their own intent by rejecting a bid already for Boyce and any further offers would have to be big for Burton to let the 28-year-old go.

Burton sit just two points off sixth placed Sunderland and are well within a shout of the play-offs themselves, but because of this I would struggle to see the Brewers selling their top scorer to a play-off rival.

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