Championship outfit Sunderland are set to rival Wolves in the race for Sheffield Wednesday striker Jordan Rhodes, reports The Sheffield Star.

The 27-year-old signed a permanent deal at Hillsborough only in July following a short loan spell at the club earlier this year, in which time he scored three goals and laid on three assists in 18 Championship games for Carlos Carvalhal’s men, helping them to a fourth place finish in the league.

However, the former Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town striker has started just two of their five league matches this term and has so far failed to net for the Owls, and back-to-back starting eleven exclusions in their win over Fulham and then their draw at Burton Albion on Saturday has further plunged his future into doubt.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves have reportedly enquired about the Scotland international over the last few days, and recent reports suggest that Simon Grayson’s Sunderland have also expressed an interest in landing the 27-year-old before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The Black Cats made a solid start to the new Championship season but have since lost their way with defeats to Leeds United and Barnsley, and their failure to score in those clashes as well as their prior reliance on striker Lewis Grabban has reinforced their need to land another forward this week.

And Sheffield Wednesday’s Rhodes could be the ideal man to come in and lead the line for the North East giants this season, although it very much remains to be seen whether the Black Cats firm up their interest, and indeed the Owls are willing to allow the 27-year-old to leave this week.

The Verdict: He may not have had a great time of it in the last few years, but there is little doubting Jordan Rhodes’ goal-scoring credentials at Championship level.

The Scotland international has scored 94 goals in just 211 games at second tier level during his career, and there are very few forwards out there who can boast those sorts of figures, and even fewer who may be available for transfer in the final week of the window.

And Sunderland manager Simon Grayson knows first-hand how influential and prolific Rhodes can be in front of goal, having worked together at Huddersfield Town, and the 47-year-old may feel that he is the right man to reignite the 27-year-old’s career once again, this time at the Stadium of Light.

But whether Sheffield Wednesday are indeed willing to let the striker leave between now and Thursday very much remains to be seen.

Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland, and Wolves fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!