Transfer Talk: Sunderland move for USA striker
according to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland want AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore
Sunderland are stepping up their efforts to sign USA striker Jozy Altidore after watching him smash 31 goals for AZ Alkmaar last term.
The Black Cats actually first expressed an interest in the frontman last summer when Martin O'Neill was manager, but now his successor Paolo Di Canio is ready to push through a deal for the 23-year-old's signature.
Di Canio is desperate to bolster his side's firepower after seeing the Wearside flirt with relegation last season and he has seen enough of the 23-year-old to think he could be the answer to their problems in front of goal.
Altidore does have previous Premier League experience after spending a year on loan at Hull City in the 2009-2010 campaign, during which time he only scored once in 28 games as the Tigers were relegated.
He also got sent off against Sunderland for head-butting Scottish defender Alan Hutton in a game at the KC Stadium.
The American has certainly matured and developed since then though as reflected by his record in Holland since joining the club from Spanish side Villarreal for a knockdown £1.5m on a player they signed for £7m.
His first year with Alkmaar in 2011 saw him register 17 goals before he almost doubled that tally last season and now Di Canio wants to hand him another chance in England.