Sunderland boss Chris Coleman was already desperate for firepower when he joined the Black Cats following the sacking of Simon Grayson.

The former Wales boss needed to add goals to what he already had at the club. However, the January transfer window has seen him lose his only two senior strikers.

Lewis Grabban has been called back to parent club Bournemouth, which is frustrating but understandable. Last week saw Coleman lose his only remaining senior striker, James Vaughan.

This was appalling management from Coleman, to lose Vaughan to Wigan, from the league below, leaving him with only Josh Maja and Joel Asoro to fire the goals to get Sunderland clear of safety.

The need for a striker is critical right now but Coleman has revealed that he only has enough funds available to do a loan deal in January, which severely limits his options.

Ben Woodburn has been rumoured but he is just as raw as Asoro and Maja and is holding out on a reunion with his former international manager in any case.

Chuba Akpom from Arsenal is an option that stands out. He has Championship experience from spells with Hull City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion.

He is a physical presence and would be champing at the bit to prove to Arsene Wenger that he is a man who can be relied on for goals.

The prospect of being the man who nets the goals to steer Sunderland out of trouble and getting hero status in the North East has to appeal as well.

Sunderland are shopping in a different market to most of the league and Akpom is an outstanding option in that market.

Sunderland fans - do you agree? Let us know in the comments below...