With Connor Wickham now officially a Crystal Palace player, Sunderland face entering the 2015/16 Premier League campaign with only the ragtag trio of Steven Fletcher, Danny Graham and Jermain Defoe up top. A guaranteed goalscorer is a necessity, and although Wickham was never that kind of player himself, his departure should give the Black Cats enough financial wiggle-room to bring in an upgrade. Dick Advocaat has remained carefully quiet throughout this transfer window, but will surely have a set of options lined up. The speed with which Younes Kaboul was signed (following the break down of Nicolas Lombaerts' move from Zenit) hints at a far more organised Sunderland than fans have been used to in previous summers. Wide forward Jeremain Lens certainly seems a step in the right direction for the Black Cats, but a more central striker remains key. Fletcher is a constant injury worry, age is catching up with Defoe, and Graham (for all his improved efforts of late) might simply lack the natural ability to thrive. Fortunately, a number of potential signings exist who could transform the club's fortunes this season. Here are seven replacements for Connor Wickham at the Stadium of Light, some from overseas, others from the Championship. A couple even play for current Premier League rivals.
