Sunderland close in on Sweden striker

Sunderland are reportedly hopeful of completing a deal for Ola Toivonen before the close of the transfer window.

The Premier League club, who defeated League Two outfit Exeter City 6-3 in the League Cup midweek, are eager to bolster their attacking options before September 1, with the Rennes striker their new number one target.

The 29-year-old, who has 43 international caps for Sweden, scored seven goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit last season.

Toivonen played under Black Cats coach Dick Advocaat at PSV Eindhoven and it is thought he is keen on a move away from the French top flight this summer.

The Sweden international was close to sealing a switch to Greek side PAOK earlier this week, only for the move to collapse at the last minute, giving Sunderland the upper hand.