The Nearly Men: Moves for trio of strikers that almost signed for Sunderland explained

1. Robert Earnshaw

A prolific goalscorer at Championship level

Robert Earnshaw was a target for Sunderland in the summer of 2007. The Welsh international had just helped Norwich City win promotion to the Premier League, scoring 21 goals in the Championship.

Sunderland made a bid for Earnshaw, but he eventually decided to join Derby County. He went on to score 18 goals for the Rams in the 2007/08 season.

2. Marlon Harewood

A powerful forward with an eye for goal

Marlon Harewood was another striker who was linked with a move to Sunderland in the summer of 2007. The former West Ham United and Aston Villa forward had just been released by Birmingham City.

Sunderland were interested in signing Harewood, but he eventually decided to join Blackpool. He went on to score 16 goals for the Seasiders in the 2007/08 season.

3. David Healy

A Northern Irish international with a proven goalscoring record

David Healy was a target for Sunderland in the summer of 2008. The Northern Irish international had just helped Fulham win the FA Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final.

Sunderland made a bid for Healy, but he eventually decided to join Ipswich Town. He went on to score 17 goals for the Tractor Boys in the 2008/09 season.