Jerome Sinclair is close to agreeing a loan switch to Sunderland.

According to The Sunderland Echo, the striker is at the Academy of Light to put the finishing touches to a season-long loan switch to Wearside.

The 21-year-old is thought to be way down the pecking order at Vicarage Road, and with the Hornets looking to add another striker to the ranks, it's thought that the youngster has been encouraged to seek regular first team football.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Andre Gray and Troy Deeney are the main candidates to lead the line for Watford for this term, while striker Stefano Okaka has been widely tipped for a summer exit.

According to reputable Turkish publication Olay, the Hornets rejected a loan move from Busaspor for the out-of-favour striker, with the Premier League side hoping to find a more long-term solution for the striker.

It’s claimed Bursaspor officials are in constant contract with Watford regarding the Italian forward, and are pushing hard to agree a deal, although they are thought to prefer a loan move.

The 28-year-old has had a turbulent time since arriving at Vicarage Road, with injuries very much halting his ability to enjoy a sustained place in the starting XI.

A hamstring injury ruled him out for the first half of his debut season with the Hornets, before a consistent run in the team gave him confidence going into the new campaign; something which Okaka will be hoping to replicate this time round.

The striker made 15 appearances for the Hoops last season, but after failing to establish himself in Javi Gracia's plans, he seems to face an uphill battle to secure a future at Vicarage Road.

Okaka admitted at the end of last season that it was a frustrating campaign, and said that it's essential he gets first team football.

He said: "It’s been a long season for me and not easy, but sometimes life is like this.

“Me, I live for playing. I don’t live for staying at home like I was before, so if I start I try to give everything to help my teammates to get the result.

“I’m happy because after nine months of hardly starting in the first XI, to play like this I’m really proud of my mind and my body.

“I’m happy to play and I’m happy with the new coach because he’s treated me so well."

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