Journalist Phil Smith has insisted that Sunderland are interested in Andras Nemeth.

The Lowdown: A striker is a priority

It's no secret that Sunderland and Tony Mowbray are in need of at least one new striker before Tuesday's deadline, with Ross Stewart the only natural centre-forward at the club.

Ellis Simms' situation has certainly confused matters on Wearside this month as he was recalled by Everton earlier in January, but the striker could still become a Sunderland player once again.

That appears to depend on Everton's ability to recruit a new forward - something they failed to do with Arnaut Danjuma - so Sunderland must have other targets, with Joe Gelhardt and Nemeth said to be of interest to the Black Cats.

The Latest: Sunderland looking for a young striker

Smith has revealed on The Sunderland Echo YouTube channel that the Black Cats hold an interest in 20-year-old Nemeth, who's played 20 times for Genk this season, scoring two goals.

He said: "We all know that Sunderland are always looking to sign talented young players who they can grow over time and sign on a permanent deal. We've seen them do it this week when they brought in Pierre Ekwah from West Ham United - a really talented, versatile and athletic midfielder.

"Now, we know that they'd like to bring in a striker on top of Stewart and hopefully the loanee, Andras Nemeth from Genk is one really talented young player that they've been scouting for quite a long time.

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"He's out of contract in the summer so it remains to be seen whether they can agree to do a deal now. There is other interest in him as well."

The Verdict: Black Cats looking to build solid foundations

Nemeth would be an exciting signing for Sunderland as he would arrive as likely unknown quantity to the majority of fans having played all of his football out in Belgium but is finding the back of the net already.

The young striker's contractual situation means that Sunderland may be able to strike up a deal for a pretty low fee as Genk would probably want to cash in on him instead of losing him for free in the summer.

With the Black Cats having recruited several young players over the summer, it shows the club's hierarchy are looking towards the future and how they can nurture young talents, get them first team ready and then sell them on for big profits which can help them improve the first team as well.