Sunderland are reportedly lining up a move for both Gillingham striker Tom Eaves and Doncaster front man John Marquis.
It has been no secret that the Black Cats are chasing another striker now that Josh Maja has left for Bordeaux but their chase of Wigan’s Will Grigg has, so far, not yielded results.
Wigan are thought to have rejected four bids for their striker and Sunderland are reportedly turning their attention elsewhere.
Reports on twitter have suggested that Sunderland are looking at both Tom Eaves, Gillingham’s 14-goal top scorer, and John Marquis, League One’s top scorer, who has netted 16 times for Doncaster.
Sky Sports north east journalist Keith Downie reported on twitter:
“Sunderland are looking into possible deals for free-scoring League One strikers Tom Eaves (Gillingham) & John Marquis (Doncaster). They may turn to either – or both – with their attempts to sign Wigan striker Will Grigg proving difficult.”
Sunderland are looking into possible deals for free-scoring League One strikers Tom Eaves (Gillingham) & John Marquis (Doncaster). They may turn to either – or both – with their attempts to sign Wigan striker Will Grigg proving difficult #SAFC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 29, 2019
The news will not come as a surprise to Gills fans as Tom Eaves is out of contract this summer and is widely expected to leave the club but Doncaster, who are currently on the cusp of the play-offs, will be more alarmed by the news.
Marquis is a key player at the Keepmoat and his loss, especially this late in the window, could be detrimental to Donny’s chances of promotion.
Grant McCann has maintained that he has received no offers as it stands but admitted the club would not stand in the striker’s way should a big move materialise. When asked if any contact had been made McCann said:
“Nothing. We’ve heard nothing and hopefully it stays like that,” he told the Doncaster Free Press.
“I think John wants to finish the leading goalscorer in League One. He wants to get as many goals as he can.
“Ultimately that will put him in a better position for the rest of his career.
“Hopefully that is with us for a longer period of time.”
He added: “I don’t think anyone would stand in John’s way if a massive team in the Championship came in for him at the end of the season.”
“Now, the club don’t need to sell and the only focus is to get in that top six.
“We want to do it with John here.”
D3D4 Football’s view
Sunderland would be an attractive destination to both players but with Eaves out of contract there is a more realistic chance of them getting that deal over the line.
The striker is proving to be a regular goal scorer at the Priestfield despite a poor showing with Yeovil in League Two in 2016/17. Since he has joined Gillingham he has netted 33 times in 76 appearances.
His playing style is fairly similar to that of Charlie Wyke who has struggled for fitness since moving to the Stadium of Light but that should not deter the Black Cats who might be able to bag the striker at a fraction of his true value.
John Marquis, on the other hand, may be a lot tougher to sign. He is contracted until 2020 giving Doncaster a strong basis for negotiation though they would be very reluctant to let the 26-year-old leave.
He is a key player for Grant McCann’s side and Sunderland may have to pursue other options or pay through the nose.