Sunderland have seen an inquiry for Sheffield Wednesday striker Sam Winnall knocked back by Owls Garry Monk according to the Northern Echo. 

Phil Parkinson is clearly keen to add depth to the attacking areas of his team, although it doesn't seem as though Winnall will be moving to the Stadium of Light anytime soon.

Sunderland are currently sat ninth in the League One table, and Parkinson will be hoping his side can build on some impressive recent showings.

The Black Cats are currently unbeaten in their last five games, and will be keen to make up for lost time after a disappointing start to this year's league campaign.

Sheffield Wednesday's stance on Winnall's future might come as a surprise, with the former Barnsley striker struggling for consistent game time this season, as well as being out of contract in the summer of 2020.

The 28-year-old has made just 12 appearances for the Owls this season, and faces fierce competition for a starting spot, with the likes of Steven Fletcher, Atdhe Nuhiu, Fernando Forestieri and Jordan Rhodes all battling it out for a place in Monk's squad.

It remains to be seen as to whether Sunderland will follow up their interest in signing Winnall despite this latest setback.

Can you name every Sunderland player's shirt number from this season? 

The Verdict: 

I'm surprised that they've knocked back the approach from Sunderland here.

Winnall hasn't exactly hit the heights that were originally set for him when he first signed for Sheffield Wednesday, and he's down the pecking order at the moment with the Owls.

So, it's a surprising stance to make by Garry Monk, but you never know, he could have plans for Winnall in the Sheffield Wednesday team that we don't know about at this moment in time.