WANDERERS are weighing up whether to get involved in a bidding war with Sunderland for Bradford City striker Charlie Wyke.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 41 goals in the last two seasons, is looking for a way out at Valley Parade and tops Phil Parkinson’s summer shopping list.

Sunderland have already had one six-figure bid rejected for the former Carlisle United man and are expected to make an increased bid this week.

Wanderers have been monitoring the striker, who is in the last year of his contract, for several months. After initially being quoted £1million – it now appears Wyke could be available for less, as Bradford look to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

Parkinson fancies his chances of improving the striker in the same way he did Gary Madine, who will be playing Premier League football with Cardiff City next season after a £6million January move.

Speaking after yesterday’s 2-1 win against Halifax Town, the Whites boss said bolstering his attacking options is a chief priority - but that seven more players are expected to come through the doors of the Macron before the close of the transfer window.

“Everybody knows we’re a long, long way short of having a squad capable of competing at Championship level,” he told The Bolton News.

“It’s difficult. Ken is looking at one or two striker options but we need those players in. We need to be strong in all departments.

“We’ve got other areas we need to strengthen but the striker area is a key one. We need strength in depth.”

Parkinson has loan options, including Ipswich Town striker Joe Garner, but is believed to favour a permanent move.

Peterborough United have made enquiries about Wyke's availability ann Jack Ross, the manager of League One Sunderland, also confirmed his interest in Wyke this weekend.

“He’s a player that I’ve known about before I came to England and I think when you see the department we need to strengthen in and the type we need to strengthen, he’s a player that I like.

“Obviously he’s contracted to another club and we need to see how that progressed over the coming days as well.”