SUNDERLAND are hoping to push through a £500,000 deal for Freddie Ladapo, but face mounting interest for the Plymouth Argyle forward.

The Black Cats made a number of inquiries for Ladapo in January, but were unable to agree a deal for the 26-year-old, who scored 19 goals in all competitions last season as Plymouth were relegated from League One.

With Jack Ross hoping to add some pace and creativity to his attacking ranks this summer, Sunderland officials have rekindled their interest and are hoping to force through a deal.

Ladapo has one more year of his Plymouth contract remaining, having moved to Home Park from Southend United last summer, and the Pilgrims are expected to cash in in the wake of their demotion to League Two.

However, Sunderland are not the only club to be involved in discussions over the striker, with Portsmouth also understood to be preparing a bid.

Championship side Brentford have also been heavily linked with Ladapo in the past, although they are currently believed to be looking elsewhere.

Sunderland value Ladapo at around £500,000, and are hoping to persuade Plymouth to do business at that price, with Jack Ross keen to complete his first signing of what could well prove a busy summer on Wearside.

Ross has also offered a contract to Ayr United striker Lawrence Shankland, who is set to become a free agent at the end of this month.

Shankland, who scored 34 goals in 41 games for Ayr last season, is pondering a number of offers from both England and Scotland after refusing to sign a new deal with his current employers.

Celtic and Hearts have expressed an interest in acquiring his services, while Portsmouth are also known to have contacted Shankland’s representatives to discuss a possible move to Fratton Park.

As well as pursuing potential signings, Ross is also fielding interest in a number of his own players.

Sheffield Wednesday remain interested in Lee Cattermole, although the midfielder’s wage demands continue to be an issue, while Club Brugge and Rosenborg are leading the race for full-back Bryan Oviedo, who is currently preparing to represent Costa Rica at the Concacaf Gold Cup.