Sunderland are reportedly now battling with one of Alex Neil's former clubs to sign Troy Parrott.

The Lowdown: Familiar face...

The Stadium of Light faithful will know all too well what the 20-year-old is capable of, as he scored and assisted against them while on loan at MK Dons last season.

The Tottenham striker managed 10 goals and seven assists across all competitions (2-1 on aggregate by Wycombe Wanderers, the team that Sunderland saw off in the Wembley final.

The Latest: Three-way fight

As per Sunday World, the Wearside club are now in a three-way fight with Neil's former side Preston North End and fellow Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers to sign Parrott.

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has suggested that he wants his players to get getting regular first-team football; and with Richarlison signed from Everton on top of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min being at Spurs, Parrott is unlikely to get that in north London.

The Verdict: Sign him

The Black Cats already know what Parrott can do, and given that Ross Stewart is the only senior striker in Neil's squad at the moment, signing the young Irishman would be a smart piece of business.

Dubbed a 'clever', 'smart' and 'cheeky' player by former Ipswich Town team-mate Tomas Holy, the 6 foot 1 forward will be desperate to prove himself in the Championship, after impressing in League One.

Already a full Republic of Ireland international with four goals and two assists in 15 games (Transfermarkt), the 20-year-old certainly appears to have a lot of potential, and Sunderland could benefit hugely from his continued development if they win the race ahead of Neil's former employers to sign him.