Like many clubs, Sunderland have left their business until the late stages of the transfer window. The Black Cats took a while to get going in the market, but recently took their number of additions to three fresh faces with Dayann Methalie and Jules Ahoka joining Thomas Meunier.

Now, after picking up their first win of the season over Fulham, those at the Stadium of Light have turned their focus towards Regis Le Bris' frontline and are out to make a statement.

After jumping ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Malick Fofana, the winger looked to be on his way to Sunderland after those in Wearside agreed a £30m deal. Deadline day in the Premier League is never that simple, however. Since then, Crystal Palace joined the race and appeared to be winning it - the Eagles also agreed a £30m deal with Lyon and, crucially, received the green light from Fofana.

There has been yet another twist in the saga however, with reports from French media outlets suggesting the Black Cats are back in the race and want to hijack the Palace hijack, and he's not even the only attacker on Sunderland's radar - they've also got their sights on La Liga star Karl Etta Eyong.

The 22-year-old, who has bagged twice in eight caps for Cameroon, has entered Sunderland’s radar and could be on his way to the Stadium of Light before the deadline arrives. Etta Eyong was involved in 11 goals in all competitions last season, drawing interest from Barcelona in the process, but now finds himself falling down the pecking order at Levante.

Levante boss Luis Castro has demoted his young forward to second-choice and he's been forced to watch on from the bench in all three La Liga games so far this season.

Whilst it's frustrating for Etta Eyong, it has opened the door for Sunderland, who are reportedly ready to make an official move on one condition.

Sunderland in talks to sign Karl Etta Eyong

As reported by Africa Foot and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now in talks to sign Etta Eyong from Levante in a late deal. The Wearside club have contacted the forward's representatives and are ready to make their move if Brian Brobbey secures a shock late exit amid interest from Como.

There are a lot of steps left to take before Etta Eyong is a Sunderland player, but rumours surrounding Brobbey are clearly a concern for the Black Cats if they're eyeing replacements. Whether the Levante man could adequately replace the Dutchman is the big question.

The numbers make for good reading. They suggest that Etta Eyong is more than capable of replacing Brobbey if that scenario arrives,

Dubbed "incredible" by scout Jacek Kulig last season, the forward could quickly become Levante's biggest regret if he leaves for Sunderland and becomes the latest Premier League star.