SUNDERLAND are hoping to beat relegation rivals Birmingham to the signature of Poland international Grzegorz Piechna.

Piechna, who has been one of European football's surprise success stories this season, is expected to leave his current employers, Korona Kielce, later this month.

Blues boss Steve Bruce has already approached the Ekstraklasa side in an attempt to set up a trial during Poland's winter break.

But, with Sunderland's forwards having failed to sparkle in the first half of the season, McCarthy is hoping to prise the £700,000 striker from his grasp.

The Black Cats boss is looking to raise funds by off-loading Andy Gray, with Norwich leading the chase.

And, while money remains in short supply at the Stadium of Light, McCarthy has made the capture of a goalscorer his number one priority as he looks to salvage Sunderland's season.

A number of Championship strikers are currently being watched, but Piechna has emerged as a surprise overseas target.

Two years ago, when the 29-year-old signed for Korona, he was still working as a meat packer in his local sausage factory.

His goals have earned back-to-back promotions since then, though, and led to Piechna becoming one of Poland's biggest stars.

This season, he has scored 16 goals in 16 games as Korona have climbed to third in the Polish top-flight - a tally that makes him Europe's seventh-most successful marksman.

His whole-hearted displays - Piechna is similar in both build and style to Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle - have alerted scouts across the continent and earned an international call-up.

He marked his Poland debut with a goal in November's 3-1 win over Estonia and is in contention for a place at next summer's World Cup finals.

"He could go to the World Cup," said Poland coach Pawel Janas. "It's possible, but it depends on him."

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