Sunderland linked with summer swoop for in-demand striker ahead of potential transfer tussle

The in-form marksman was tentatively linked with a move to the Stadium of Light in January, before Lee Johnson moved to sign Ross Stewart.

But with the summer transfer window now rapidly approaching, Birmingham Live claim that the Black Cats are one again monitoring Nisbet’s situation.

Birmingham City and Brentford are both also believed to be keen on the 24-year-old – with the latter reportedly considering him as a potential replacement for the in-demand Ivan Toney.

Hibs reportedly valued the striker at around £2million in January, and that figure may have risen after a 17-goal haul this term.

Meanwhile, Lee Johnson is preparing his current Sunderland side for a final day clash with Northampton Town.

And the Cobblers will be heading to Wearside without two key defenders after both Joseph Mills and Peter Kioso were ruled-out of the clash.

Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, caretaker manager Jon Brady said: "Unfortunately Peter Kioso is out now. He's had his scan and he's done a double hernia.

"He's been playing through that until we finally got a scan done and that just shows the character and the attitude of the lad because he's put himself out there for us over the last four or five weeks.

"Millsy has fractured part of his ankle but he should be back for the following pre-season in good time. That's not good news but there will be opportunities to have a look at others on Sunday."

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