Sunderland identify Ross Stewart replacement as Southampton ramp up their interest

The Black Cats could need to find a swift replacement for their talisman as Southampton look to swoop

Sunderland and Middlesbrough are set to do battle over the signing of Everton forward Tom Cannon. That is according to a report from The Sun journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon page, as both north east clubs step up their pursuit of a forward.

The Black Cats are bracing themselves for the possible departure of prolific forward Ross Stewart, with reports north of the border suggesting Southampton are readying a second bid for the Scotland international.

Meanwhile, Boro need to find a replacement for the goals of Chuba Akpom and Cameron Archer that they have lost over the summer and have identified Cannon as the ideal solution.

The report claims Boro are readying a bid for the Ireland youth international, with Everton now willing to sell following the arrival of Portuguese forward Beto from Udinese this week.

READ MORE: Sunderland's Ross Stewart 'transfer resolve to be tested' as Southampton ready second bid

However, Sunderland will join the chase if they sell Stewart, despite Ukrainian forward Nazaryi Rusyn looking set to join the club as well this week.

Cannon spent last season on loan at Preston North End, scoring eight goals in 20 appearances, but the 20-year-old has found opportunities hard to come by since returning to Goodison Park this summer.

Preston had hoped to re-sign him on loan but with Boro and Sunderland ramping up their interest, they will also have to stump up the money for a permanent deal to land him before Friday's transfer deadline.