No Sunderland move yet for Porto striker

With David Moyes desperate to ease the scoring burden on Jermain Defoe, Marega’s 10 goals in eight games on loan for Vitoria Guimaraes this season have not gone unnoticed.

And a source in Portugal maintains that, although the 25-year- old’s position is complicated by him being out on loan, Porto could be willing to do permanent business for him in the New Year.

Liverpool and Tottenham have also been linked with the French-born Malian international.

“It is not easy for him to transfer in January as he is on loan. But yes, there is a possibility to transfer Moussa to England,” said the source.

“But there has been no contact with the club .”

Marega, 25, tops the Portuguese goalscoring charts but is behind rising star Andre Silva in the pecking order at Porto, having only arrived from Maritimo this year, and been playing in the fifth tier of French football as recently as 2013.

His lack of experience and pedigree at the top level could mean Sunderland decide not to move for the 6ft 1in forward, especially if Victor Anichebe – who is of similar build to the powerful Marega – manages to keep fit.

And while Portuguese football expert Jan Hagen admits the 25-year-old has the physical attributes for the Premier League, he is not convinced Marega would start firing quickly enough to save Sunderland’s top-flight status.

“He’s big, extremely strong and quick. He’s primarily a great finisher and is also a danger in the air,” said Hagen, who runs Portuguese football-focused Twitter account @PortuBall.

“He didn’t manage to make a name for himself at Porto, hence why he’s on loan at Vitória this season.

“I’m not sure a move to the Premier League would be right for him at the moment, as he is yet to assert himself at the highest level.”