"Would be perfect" - Sunderland AFC backed to secure deal for Preston forward | OneFootball

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit has given his verdict on the pursuit of Emil Riis

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sunderland are eyeing a potential move for Preston North End forward Emil Riis this January.

According to Michael Graham, the Black Cats hold an interest in the 26-year-old, with the club looking to bolster their attacking options.

The Wearside outfit have also been linked with a move for Matija Frigan, but have yet to seal an agreement for the Croatian either.

Régis Le Bris’ side are competing for automatic promotion to the Premier League this season, so another forward arriving this month could have a big impact on their top two chances.

Emil Riis transfer verdict

When asked about the prospect of signing Riis, FLW’s Sunderland fan pundit Jordan Newcombe suggested that waiting until the summer in order to sign him as a free agent could be great business.

He also believes that the Preston forward could be a good alternative for Wilson Isidor or Eliezer Mayenda, depending on where the club will be competing next season.

“That striker position I do think going in for another striker of his ability, with the 36 goals in 154 appearances it’s not obviously the best ratio,” Newcombe told Football League World.

“But to have 16 goals in a previous season is great, especially for a striker [that’s 26].

“If we can try and snatch him up as a backup striker then that would be perfect.

“He is out of contract as well, so if we can get him on a free I’d prefer that then paying the £13 or 15 million for the player that we’ve obviously tried to get in the last couple of weeks.

“This is probably the best chance we’ve got to get a decent striker in that doesn’t cost anything.

“That might be a really good alternative to Isidor or Mayenda, depending on whether they go at the end of the season, or if we go up or stay down.

“A striker option is a striker option at the end of the day, and if it’s going to be free even better, so I’d say 100 per cent try and go in for him and see what the outcome is.

“Especially with him being out of contract at the end of the season.”

Sunderland are currently in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League, sitting third in the Championship table.

Emil Riis signing would be an underwhelming move for Sunderland

Sunderland have done well this season with Isidor and Mayenda as forward options, and it’s put them in the mix for a top two spot.

But if they’re going to sign a forward now then it will surely need to be someone who can make an immediate and big impact on the team.

Riis has plenty of Championship experience, so should slot into the team fairly naturally, but has not shown in three years to be prolific enough to justify bringing him in now for a fee.