Kevin Phillips urges Sunderland to take transfer action in January | OneFootball

After the departure of Tony Mowbray at the beginning of the month, Sunderland have picked up two consecutive home victories to put themselves right back into the play-off conversation.

With the nature of the Championship meaning that fixtures come thick and fast throughout the period leading up to Christmas and the New Year, the Black Cats' victories against fellow promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United has rekindled optimism at the Stadium of Light ahead of a crucial period of the season.

Not only do the Sunderland hierarchy have the vital task of recruiting the next man to step into the hotseat in the North East, but Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and company will also have the upcoming January transfer window on their minds, giving whoever the new man is a first opportunity to stamp their authority on this youthful and energetic squad.

Sunderland must address problem position

While Jack Clarke has continued to be the main talismanic presence in the Black Cats side with 10 goals and one assist, one problem has constantly echoed around the club all season, which is a lack of a clinical centre-forward.

After Clarke, who could also be staring the exit door in the face in the coming month as a result of Premier League interest, Sunderland's second-highest scorers come in the form of Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil - who are tied on four goals apiece.

Both Mason Burstow and Nazariy Rusyn were signed by Mowbray in the summer to fill the gaping hole left by Ross Stewart's move to Southampton. However, neither have found the net nor had consistent runs in the side to prove they're individual answers to this particular conundrum.

"Again..." - Former Sunderland hotshot highlights issue which must be addressed

One man who has cast an eye over Sunderland's recent performances is former fan favourite Kevin Phillips.

The current South Shields boss found the net 113 times in 208 appearances on Wearside, and was present in the Sky Sports studio for the midweek fixture against Leeds United.

Despite the win, the reoccurring problem of no natural striker was there for the 50-year-old to see, as the only goal came through Bellingham, who was pushed into an advanced role after sitting deeper for roughly 70 minutes of the encounter.

"I still think in January it's a big decision. Do you go out and get that striker? Again, a centre-forward hasn't scored. You can't class Jobe Bellingham as a centre-forward. But I'd like to see a proper centre-forward in to get some goals." Phillips stated on Sky Sports via ChronicleLive.

Who will Sunderland turn to?

No names have been mooted yet, as once more the main source of transfer rumours around Sunderland coming in the form of a potential return for Amad Diallo on loan from Manchester United. TeamTalk claim that the Black Cats face Championship competition for his services this time round. The Ivorian scored 14 goals in 39 appearances during a fruitful stint last term.

Regardless, it's imperative that targets are pinned down as soon as possible to keep Sunderland within the play-off race. If a new striker isn't picked up, that could prove to be the ultimate difference maker between success and failure, or else the new man in charge will have to see a drastic turn in performances from the aforementioned Rusyn and Burstow.