Christian Benteke

Reports in Belgium today have indicated that Sunderland are interested in powerful centre-forward Okaka, who netted 17 goals in all competitions in his debut season at Anderlecht last year.

Sunderland have scouted the Belgian league extensively over recent months, with Okaka's Belgian team-mate Kara Mbodji among those who was on the radar of ex-Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce.

Anderlecht are thought to be willing to sell Okaka, although they have put a £9million asking price on the head of the 26-year-old.

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That is reportedly more than Sunderland are prepared to pay, with the Black Cats valuing the ex-Sampdoria and Roma striker around the £5m mark.

However, Okaka is a far more feasible target than Liverpool's Benteke, despite reports today that Sunderland have joined Everton and Crystal Palace in the race for the Belgian international.