Sunderland are considering an end of season offer for Sam Gallagher.
According to a report in The Chronicle the on loan Southampton striker was watched by Davie Moyes in Monday’s draw with Bristol City.
Although it won’t be admitted in public Moyes is preparing a plan B for life in next season’s Championship with the emphasis on younger British talent.
Gallagher has scored 11 goals for a struggling Blackburn side but is unlikely to be returning to first team football at St Mary’s with Southanpton’s decision being whether to sell the striker or arrange another loan deal.
Relegation will almost certainly signal the departure of Jermain Defoe leaving Moyes with a massive task to bring in new striking options.
Despite the parachute payments money will be tight at Sunderland with chief executive Martin Bain involved in a major drive to reduce costs after the excesses of recent seasons to maintain Premier League status.