Sunderland AFC's transfer deadline day dream involves Bellingham stay and Southampton raid | OneFootball

FLW highlights what a dream deadline day would look like for the Black Cats.

With just days remaining in the January transfer window, time is of the essence for Sunderland to strengthen their squad before the February 3rd deadline.

Much of the talk on Wearside has been about adding a striker and, while a host of players have been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, the club are yet to secure a deal.

Elsewhere, the Black Cats will be desperate to retain their top talent, with multiple clubs linked with a move for one of their star men.

Black Cats to keep Jobe Bellingham for the season

Unsurprisingly, Jobe Bellingham has been at the centre of widespread speculation over his future, with Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund the latest sides to be linked with the teenager.

The German giants reportedly sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action against Derby County at Pride Park, according to The Sun.

While the report goes on to claim that Bellingham would prefer to see out Sunderland's promotion bid, nothing is set in stone.

The 19-year-old has been instrumental for Regis Le Bris' side this season and is pivotal to their attacking, free-flowing game under the Frenchman.

Bellingham's output has been promising for the Black Cats, with seven goal contributions to his name so far this season, but his game is about far more than statistics.

While the teenager is likely to remain at the Stadium of Light past the deadline, the club must ensure he does not leave, or their promotion ambitions will be dealt a serious blow.

Sunderland should push to sign Cameron Archer

This window feels reminiscent to the summer window in that Sunderland have left it late to sign a striker.

The Black Cats have been linked with several familiar forwards, with the likes of Tom Cannon, Ben Brereton Diaz and Chuba Akpom all touted as targets.

While none of those have come to fruition, there is a new name doing the rounds, with Southampton's Cameron Archer a player the Wearsiders are considering.

That is according to a report from Sunderland AFC News, who spoke to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about Archer's current situation.

Bailey explained that the Black Cats are willing to do a loan with an obligation to buy, which has been a familiar transfer approach for the club this window.

However, the North East outfit face competition from league leaders Leeds United, which makes the potential deal more difficult.

While Wilson Isidor should be considered as Le Bris' number one striker, Archer would provide worthy competition for the Frenchman, who needs pressure in his position.

Interest in Bellingham is no surprise, but it is paramount that the club hold on to his services until the summer if they are to achieve their Premier League dream.