Sunderland are now locked in a four way battle to sign Sheffield United forward Daniel Jebbison on a season-long loan deal.
The Black Cats have been linked with a move for the talented teenager all summer but The Sun report one of their competitors could hold an advantage in the race to seal his signature.
Lee Johnson is desperate to seal a deal for Jebbison to provide Ross Stewart with some much needed competition up front.
Fellow League One sides Doncaster Rovers and Burton Albion are also known to be keen on a deal for the 18-year-old but Belgian side Beerschot have emerged as the surprise new favourites to be his next destination.
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Sheffield United enjoy a partnership with Beerschot and a number of their youngsters have since made the move to Belgium on a temporary basis.
A move to Belgium would offer Jebbison exposure to regular football in a top flight European league after he made his breakthrough into the Blades' first team last term, scoring one goal in four Premier League appearances.
The Canada-born England youth international was not named in Sheffield United's matchday squad on Saturday as Slavisa Jokanovic's side fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Birmingham City in their Championship opener.
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