Sunderland in battle to sign Levante striker Karl Etta Eyon for less than his £26million release clause

SUNDERLAND are looking at Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong in the final days of the transfer window. The Black Cats are in the market for a striker and have identified Eyong as an ideal man to come into Regis Le Bris’ side. Karl Etta Eyong is man with a rising stock in La Liga and Sunderland have been looking at him Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Karl Etta Eyong was signed from Villarreal and has been impressing in Spain Credit: Shutterstock Editorial SunSport has been told that personal terms are not expected to be an issue, although Sunderland still have to convince Levante to sell the striker they signed from Villarreal this summer. The Black Cats are continuing to explore the possibility of a deal as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! SunSport has been told that Eyong has a release clause of £26million, although Sunderland are keen to negotiate that figure down. The Wearside club are understood to be weighing up whether they can agree a package below the clause to bring the highly-rated forward to the Stadium of Light. Eyong, 22, caught the eye last season after scoring seven goals in La Liga. The Cameroon-born striker is regarded as an out-and-out forward, despite having been used in a deeper role by Levante. That versatility is understood to be one of the reasons he has attracted attention from clubs looking for attacking reinforcements. Levante have used Eyong as a central midfielder rather than as a conventional striker, but scouting reports suggest he could be even more effective if given a more advanced role. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Sunderland believe there could be considerably more goals to come from the youngster if he is deployed further forward. That is a role the Black Cats could offer him as Le Bris looks to add another attacking option to his squad. Sunderland have been working on their options in the closing stages of the window as they assess potential deals for a new striker. Eyong has emerged as one of the names on their radar as they look for a player capable of making an impact in front of goal. The 22-year-old’s record in Spain has helped fuel interest, with his performances last season putting him on the radar of a number of clubs. Ipswich Town had also looked at Eyong earlier in the summer as his reputation continued to grow. But Sunderland now appear keen to explore whether they can strike a deal with Levante before the window shuts. There is also interest from a number of clubs in La Liga, who are hoping to test Levante’s resolve in the final days of the window. Top football travel deals Sunderland are aware there is release clasue but would ideally want to negotiate a fee Credit: Getty That could make negotiations more difficult for Sunderland, particularly with Eyong under the protection of a £26million release clause. The Black Cats will now have to decide whether they can bring that asking price down and get the deal over the line as Le Bris looks to add his new striker. Comment now