On transfer deadline day, Sunderland made an ambitious move to sign striker, Gift Orban, but were unable to finalize the deal.

The club, struggling with goalscoring issues, had identified Orban as a potential solution to their offensive problems but could not come to an agreement with his current club, Lyon.

Orban, 22, has scored three goals in 16 appearances this season, including a recent brace against Strasbourg.

Despite his potential, the striker has seen limited playing time, amassing just 593 minutes on the field as he faced stiff competition for a spot in Lyon’s starting lineup.

Lyon has recently bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of Georges Mikautadze from Metz, further diminishing Orban’s chances of regular playing time at the club.

Sunderland aimed to sign Orban on a loan deal, but their proposal was rejected.

Interest in Orban was not limited to Sunderland. Both Burnley and Premier League side Southampton also made inquiries about the striker’s availability.

Gift Orban, who previously played for Stabaek and Gent, joined Lyon in January for a reported fee of €14 million.