The Sunderland supporters in the Football Transfer Tavern will be hugely concerned at how their beloved club looks set for yet another relegation battle this season.

The Mackems are bottom of the Premier League standings and three points from safety and David Moyes hasn’t had the desired effect that might have been expected when he took the helm at the Stadium of Light during the summer – the fans standing at the bar would have expected better form under the Scot.

One of their main problems is their lack of goals with the Wearside outfit having netted just 20 times in 22 top flight matches this term – only their north east rivals Middlesbrough have been less prolific.

Incredibly, star striker Jermain Defoe has found the net for his side on 12 of those 20 occasions, and the tavern landlord will know they need another marksman to take some of the pressure off of the 33-year-old, before the January transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Here are THREE clinical strikers that can help Defoe to save Sunderland’s season…

Chris Wood

Earlier this month Sunderland were linked with a move for the in-form Leeds United striker, but they were said to be put off by the £15m valuation that the Whites are understood to have placed on the attacker’s head – the Mackems fans standing at the bar would be nervous about their club spending that much on a Championship player.

However, if they want a prolific marksman before the end of the January transfer window to help boost their survival chances, it is a fee that they might just have to pay – the landlord will know that goals can be the difference between going down and staying up.

With Victor Anichebe ruled out for 10 weeks because of a knee injury, the Wearside outfit are missing that physical presence up top but Wood has shown that there is far more to him than just his height – the New Zealand international has netted 20 goals in all competitions this season.

Robbie Keane

While they would likely have to pay a big transfer fee for Chris Wood, they certainly wouldn’t have to if they wanted to sign Keane – while it might be a good deal financially, the Sunderland fans standing at the bar may feel now is the time to spend money.

The 36-year-old is a free agent after returning from five years in the MLS with LA Galaxy, but the Republic of Ireland striker has shown that he is still just as prolific now as he was for many years in the Premier League previously – the landlord would certainly be sceptical as to whether he could recreate that form now though.

Keane scored 104 goals in 165 appearances for the Los Angeles based outfit and having worked with Jermain Defoe before during the duo’s spell together at Tottenham, David Moyes could be tempted to reunite the pair.

Michy Batshuayi

Despite joining Chelsea for £33m in the summer, Batshuayi is yet to start a Premier League match for the Premier League leaders and the rumours suggest that he could look to leave the club on loan before the January transfer window closes, if manager Antonio Conte find a suitable replacement – this is a deal that would be the talk of the tavern.

For whatever reason, the Belgium international has struggled to for first team minutes even when star man Diego Costa has been injured or suspended, and some regular football an another top flight club could be best for both parties right now.

And Sunderland manager David Moyes would certainly have an interest in taking the 23-year-old to the Stadium of Light on a temporary basis after he showed his potential in front of goal by scoring 23 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for former side Marseille last term – the landlord would love to see a potential partnership between Defoe and Batshuayi.

Do you agree, Sunderland fans? Let us know below.