News: Sunderland running the rule over promising young Middlesbrough striker; possible loan?

In the latest edition of the Roker Rapport Podcast, Sky Sports News’s north east correspondent Keith Downie revealed that his sources have told him that Sunderland are running the rule over Middlesbrough striker Stephen Walker.

The 18-year old, who Downie revealed is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, is one of the most highly-rated young strikers in the country, and has a fantastic record at international level having scored 6 goals in 7 games for England’s U19 side.

Middlesbrough are understood to be keen on Walker leaving before the transfer window closes in order to gain meaningful first team experience elsewhere, and he’s one of a number of strikers that Sunderland have apparently looked at as they vow to fill one of the two spots they have in the striking department.

Downie also revealed at he expects Sunderland to bid again for Will Grigg and also get their man, which would fill the gap left behind by Josh Maja, but having lost loanee Jerome Sinclair earlier in the window the noises emanating from the club throughout January has been that its our intention to sign more than one forward this month - which is presumably where Walker has came in for consideration.

To listen to the full Podcast - in which Downie talks extensively about the Josh Maja saga, Sunderland’s other transfer window business and more - you can click the links in the tweet below.