Preston appear to have beaten Sunderland to the loan signing of Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, according to reliable journalist Scott Wilson.

Black Cats manager Alex Neil is desperate to reinforce his attacking ranks this summer by providing some cover for first-choice centre-forward Ross Stewart.

Sunderland’s lack of options up top were highlighted last week as the Scotland international was rested for the 2-0 defeat pre-season to Bradford City.

In his post-match interview, Neil expressed his concerns ahead of the Championship season, having claimed: “I’m naturally concerned by the fact that we’ve currently got one centre-forward in the building.

“There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to try to make sure we remedy that. That situation hasn’t changed over the last few weeks.”

The Latest: Parrott blow

Wilson, who is the chief sports writer for The Northern Echo, has shared a big blow for Sunderland fans with news regarding the club’s search for a new striker.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article, the reliable journalist said: “TRANSFER LATEST: Preston look to have won the battle to sign Troy Parrott on loan from Spurs. Major blow for #SAFC, who had made loan offer for Irish international. #Boro were also interested, although not to the same extent as Sunderland...”

The Verdict: Need to secure Broadhead

With the Black Cats seemingly losing out on Parrott, a fully-fledged Republic of Ireland international who netted 10 goals on loan at MK Dons last season, it is imperative that they step up their pursuit of Everton's Nathan Broadhead.

According to Wilson for The Northern Echo, Sunderland’s recruitment team remain involved in talks with the Premier League club over the 24-year-old, who was not part of Frank Lampard’s 23-man squad for the Toffees’ weekend friendly against Blackpool.

It is said that Neil would like to re-sign Broadhead, who impressed during last season’s loan spell at the Stadium of Light with 10 goals in 22 league games, but progress over the deal has been very slow.

With the Wearsiders currently set to start the Championship campaign with just one striker, it is crucial that Sunderland secure a deal for Broadhead before September’s transfer deadline, as otherwise Neil could end up facing some serious issues this season.