Sunderland are reportedly battling a number of Championship rivals in the race to sign Anthony Scully.

The Lowdown: Great start

The 23-year-old has made a great start to the season at Lincoln City, scoring two goals and supplying one assist in five games across all competitions so far (Transfermarkt).

The winger is picking up from where he left off in the 2021/22 campaign, when he managed an impressive 15 goals and seven assists in 39 matches (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Sunderland interest

Writing in his latest piece for The Northern Echo, journalist Matty Jones has shared that Sunderland, along with Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United and Blackpool, are all monitoring Scully ahead of a potential move, in addition to a number of teams in League One.

Lincoln manager Mark Kennedy admitted that Scully could leave before the transfer window closes, putting several suitors on high alert.

The Verdict: Sign him

Alex Neil is looking to sign further attacking options before the transfer deadline, and landing Scully from the division below would feel like a smart piece of business.

The Irishman has proven this season and last that he can score and set up goals consistently in League One, and he will no doubt be hungry to prove himself at a higher level in the Championship.

At 23 years of age, Scully still has a high ceiling, and the Black Cats would do well to beat so many other clubs to his signature.