Unemployed ex-Premier League star offered surprise route back to top flight five years after he burst on to the scene

FREE AGENT Aaron Connolly is on the verge of becoming part of Sunderland’s promotion push.

The 24-year-old forward has been without a club since he was released by Hull City in June.

Republic of Ireland international Connolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur.

He played 24 times in the Premier League that season, scoring three goals, but he failed to capitalise on that bright start.

Connolly had loan spells with Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Venezia before heading to Hull in January 2023.

He scored eight goals for the Tigers in the Championship last term but that was not enough to earn him an extension.

However, he is set to be handed a career lifeline by Regis Le Bris’ high-flying Black Cats.

Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough was their fourth in five league matches and early pace-setters West Brom are the only side ahead of them.

Sunderland’s bright start has come despite 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda being their only recognised striker.

Le Bris secured the signing of Ahmed Abdullahi on deadline day, but the Nigerian arrival from Gent was instantly ruled out for three months due to needing groin surgery.

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Summer recruit Wilson Isidor, a left winger, can also operate as a forward but the North East side have moved to bolster their options.

Talks are progressing well between them and Connolly’s representatives and both parties will hope that the ace could be involved for the weekend’s trip to Watford.