SUNDERLAND boss David Moyes has turned his attention north of the border and is lining up a £2m offer for Hibernian striker Jason Cummings.

Moyes has told Ellis Short he will have to sign a whole new team as he looks to compete in the Championship, with up to a dozen senior players set to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.

Improving the forward line will be a key priority with Jermain Defoe certain to leave because of a relegation clause in his contract and Victor Anichebe unlikely to be offered a new contract when his current one-year deal expires in the summer.

Moyes has scouted a number of potential attacking targets in recent weeks, and while he continues to hold a firm interest in Southampton striker Sam Gallagher, who has recently completed a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, he is set to step up his interest in Cummings.

The 21-year-old has been a key performer for Hibernian this season, with his goals helping to fire the Easter Road club back into the Scottish Premier League.

Cummings scored 23 goals in 39 appearances this season, having found the back of the net on 25 occasions during the previous campaign.

Peterborough United tried to sign him last summer, only for Hibs to turn down their £1m bid, but his current employers are unlikely to be in a position where they can reject an offer that is closer to £2m.

Cummings is contracted to 2020, but sources in Scotland claim he has expressed a desire to test himself outside his homeland, and a move to the Stadium of Light would appeal.

Moyes boasts extensive links in Scottish football, and could well look to exploit the SPL market as he looks to rebuild his squad this summer.

Meanwhile, John O’Shea has paid tribute to Defoe after the striker was crowned Player of the Year at this week’s Sunderland Supporters’ awards.

Jordan Pickford claimed the Young Player award, with Defoe claiming the overall title after netting 15 goals despite Sunderland’s relegation.

“Jermain is top quality, and a great lad,” said O’Shea. “When we watch him in training, he can find the corners, score from inside and outside the box, hit volleys and any other type of goal you can think of. He’s got it all in his locker, and it’s no surprise he collected another award.”