According to recent reports, Sunderland have opened talks with Ross County about a potential move for striker Ross Stewart. Gareth Law of the Scottish Sun and Richard Mennear of the Sunderland Echo claim talks have begun between the two clubs. However, should the Black Cats decide they want the 24-year-old, it will take £500,000 to praise him away.
Sunderland Open Talks With Ross County Over Striker Ross Stewart
County Name Their Price for Ross Stewart
Ross County boss John Hughes named the price it would take for the Scottish Premiership side to let Stewart leave. The striker is out of contract this summer; however, it would take a bid of half a million pounds for a move to go ahead this month.
Speaking about his star striker last week, Hughes said: “He seems quite happy to be here the rest of the season, as would we be. But if a club comes in with a bid of £500,000 then we have a decision to make. I have had no complaints about Ross as he leads from the front. He said to me what will be, will be.”
No Secret Lee Johnson Wants a Striker
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson has made it no secret that he is chasing a new striker this month. At present only Charlie Wyke is fully fit. Although Wyke is in goalscoring form at present, Johnson wants another option upfront. The other strikers in the first-team squad Will Grigg and Danny Graham have not produced the form or goal threat that the Black Cats require as they push for promotion.
Both have been injured of late and reports suggest that Will Grigg could be leaving this month with at least three Football League clubs interested in his services. Danny Graham is in his second spell at the club and unfortunately, his current spell is going as badly as the first with the experienced forward struggling in front of goal.
Lee Johnson advised that he and the club are looking to bring in at least one new player before the transfer window closes. Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Johnson said: “We’re trying very hard, studying a lot of names. It’s very fluid in terms of, there’s normally a domino effect down to League One, and we’ve got the salary cap issue as well. So we’ve got to be a bit creative.
“With a bit of luck we’ll definitely get one in, if you gave me a wish there’d be three but I’d be more than happy with one or two and if we don’t, no problem, we go with what we’ve got.”
Who Is Ross Stewart?
24-year-old striker Stewart, who is out of contract this summer has been at Ross County since 2018. He has become a key player for the team, helping them win promotion to the Scottish Premiership and has scored 28 goals in 82 appearances.
Stewart began his senior career at Albion Rovers before moving onto St Mirren and then Ross County. At present, he has scored 53 goals in 160 games in all competitions. County are currently second bottom of the Scottish Premiership and are hoping to keep Stewart until the summer as they battle to stay in the division.
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