Championship strugglers Sunderland are set to take on Fulham and Reading in the race to sign Derby County striker Chris Martin, as per page 60 of The Sun’s Friday printed edition.

Chris Coleman is looking to prepare his team for the relegation dogfight but faces competition from the two sides who of course faced each other in the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs last season.

Martin played in that two-legged clash for Fulham, as he spent last season on loan there from Pride Park, but angered Fulham fans by agitating for an early return to the club after he signed a new three and a half year deal with the club in January 2017.

He scored 11 goals at Craven Cottage for the Whites but has made just seven starts for Derby under Gary Rowett, sparking interest in his services.

The Verdict:

Martin can score goals in the Championship but his attitude and work-rate is poor so any transfer move would be a risk.

The Scotsman would not be welcomed back easily by Fulham fans, which will give hope to Reading and Sunderland that they can turn his head despite being lower down the league than the West London club.

In my view, Reading is the most suitable destination for Martin, but he is still not an ideal addition to a squad low on confidence.

Sunderland fans – would you want Chris Martin? What do you feel he could bring to the club? Let us know below…