Former West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan faces being snubbed by Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce.

The Telegraph says Sunderland will prioritise signing a striker over a move for free agent Nolan.

The former Newcastle midfielder is a free agent after having his contract terminated by West Ham in September and new Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce had been considering a move for the 33-year-old.

However, with doubts growing about Jermain Defoe's future at the Stadium of Light Sunderland are looking at bringing in a striker and scouts have reportedly been instructed to look for forwards who are out-of-contract or likely to be available in the January transfer window.