Sunderland are plotting a move to sign a mystery free agent striker, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Attacking injury crisis

Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms are both currently ruled out of action with injuries, leaving Tony Mowbray without a recognised senior striker at his disposal, something which is creating a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

The Black Cats have failed to score in two of their last three games in the Championship, and the hierarchy now look to be addressing this with the arrival of a new forward.

The Latest: Sunderland eyeing free agent deal

According to Sky Sports News presenter Tom White (via Football League World), Sunderland are ‘looking closely at a striker’, with the boss having given the ‘green light’ to go ahead in a bid to ease the club’s worries.

The secret star hasn’t been publicly named, but it’s been reported that he ‘will not be fit’ before the World Cup in November, suggesting that this would be a signing for the future rather than the immediate short term.

The Verdict: Time to take action

Sunderland have started the season strongly, sitting just four points away from the playoffs, but whilst it’s all well and good planning ahead, they need someone who is available for selection now.

The lack of goals in recent games without Stewart and Simms is worrying, and if this trend continues, the Black Cats will slowly find themselves dropping down the table.

It’s so important that the board take action now, or risk the season becoming unsalvageable where it’s too late to achieve their ambitions.