Sunderland AFC news: Kirchhoff wins award, Rangers and Celtic weigh up move for Cats striker

The striker, currently on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season, is out of contract at the Stadium of Light in the summer. Both Rangers and Celtic have been linked with a move for the frontman, who will be leaving Wearside. The Scottish Sun report that Rangers manager Mark Warburton has identified the 6ft 1in striker as the perfect foil for leading scorer Martyn Waghorn as the Scottish giants prepare for life in the top flight next season. Warburton knows the much-travelled striker from their time together at Watford. For the latest Sunderland AFC news 'Like' our Facebook page: Meanwhile, Sunderland midfielder Jan Kirchhoff has been named the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for April in the Premier League. Kirchhoff was battling it out with Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge for the award after making the final three. Kirchhoff's performances have helped Sunderland, who are one point from safety, stay in the fight for survival. The 25-year-old, who joined from Bayern Munich in January, featured in all of Sunderland's matches in April in the holding midfield role and helped them earn six points and keep three clean sheets. The German won 49.2 per cent of the vote to beat off competition from Townsend (44.9 per cent) and Sturridge (5.9 per cent). Kirchhoff said: "I would like to thank the supporters, who have been unbelievable since I arrived at Sunderland - they are simply amazing. "Also my thanks go to my team-mates, without them it would not have been possible to win this award. "This is a very special football club and I am honoured to accept the award on behalf of everyone." And finally, Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has issued a rallying call to his players ahead of the game against Chelsea. Sunderland could move to within the brink of safety tomorrow if they beat Chelsea and results elsewhere go in their favour, or the Black Cats could sink four points adrift of fourth bottom Newcastle and lose control over their own destiny. Allardyce told the Echo: "I understand the pressure and just what we’re responsible for in the city and in the football club. "There are people who love working for this football club and have worked here for many years, and fans who have been watching for many, many years after being brought down by their mum and dad or grandparents." Click here for the full story: