Strikers on Poyet’s agenda as Altidore continues to flop at Sunderland

So it seems Gus Poyet certainly agrees with what most of us are thinking, Sunderland need a striker in January if they are to be competitive this season.

The Black Cats’ 10th draw of the season against West Ham at the weekend provided a perfect example of how the north east club are lacking that killer instinct.

Poyet said after the match: “You need to be a person who doesn’t have a clue about football to not realise what we are missing. I was clear the other day. I don’t want four draws (before the end of 2014). I’d prefer a win and a draw than four draws.”

And without wanting to go on an attack of a single player, it is pretty clear one of the Mackems strikers isn’t cut out for the Premier League.

Jozy Altidore has played over three hours of football since he troubled an opposing keeper, and has averaged a shot (on or off target) once every 69 minutes in the last five fixtures he has featured.

Compared to Connor Wickham (fresh new contract in hand), his record is miserly.

Wickham averaged a shot every 29 minutes in the same fixtures and looks the most likely to trouble the opposition back line.

With just one Premier League goal to his name in 17 months at Sunderland, it appears now is the time to move the American on, allowing him bow out on this magical moment at the Stadium of Light…

But who could Poyet move for in January?

The market is sure to be competitive with Crystal Palace, Leicester and Newcastle also said to be on the look-out for a frontman.

Danny Ings has come in for a lot of interest, with the Burnley man netting four times so far this campaign and his contract up at the end of the season meaning the Clarets may be tempted by a cut-price deal in the upcoming window.

And despite Garry Monk’s dismissal of any exit talk, Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis may push for a move to guarantee first team football, with the in-form Wilfried Bony standing in his way, and Sunderland could head the queue.

Whoever Poyet can lure to the Stadium of Light will probably be an improvement on their current American dead-weight, but he will need to hit the ground running with the relegation zone looming over their shoulders.

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