You were probably hoping for some electric forward or 8ft defender to take the top spot, but let's be completely realistic here, who wants to join Sunderland right now? And how much money is Ellis Short willing to invest in the club this January? The answers are not many and not much, respectively. That's why Derby's Chris Martin would be a shrewd, potentially excellent signing who could bring out the very best in Defoe while banging goals in for himself. Fletcher and Graham are going, if not in January, they'll be out in the summer, and that makes a targetman an essential signing. He's 27-year-old, strong, and would lead the line well for Sunderland as a lone striker or preferably with Defoe alongside him. Martin has 47 goals in 103 league games for Derby, including 9 this season, the same number as Charlie Austin. I'm not saying he's an incredible long-term signing, but Derby fans rate him immensely highly, saying that HE will be in the Premier League next season whether their team are or not. Let's beat the rush, let's put some money down for him and finally have a striker capable of bruising defenders as well as bursting the net.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
