Rangers-linked Sunderland striker Ross Stewart might have an impressive goalscoring return, but the big forward’s injury history is surely enough to make even Ross Wilson baulk.
The Scotland international forward, 26, has impressed ever since swapping Ross County for the Black Cats and if earlier reports are to be believed Rangers are genuine Ross Stewart suitors.
Back in the summer transfer window, there were claims that Rangers were watching Ross Stewart alongside the likes of Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and QPR.
Ross Stewart linked with new Sunderland deal
As the player’s contract ticks down at the Stadium of Light, these links then continued into the January transfer window with Stewart also linked to Old Firm rivals Celtic.
But amid much talk of a switch from the Stadium of Light, Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman hinted back in December that the club was in discussions to keep Ross Stewart around.
Now, the latest reports suggest that Stewart is set to agree a new deal with Sunderland after netting ten goals in 13 Championship games this season.
Sports Illustrated are claiming that Ross Stewart will become the highest-paid player at Sunderland in a landmark deal for the club following their League One promotion last season.
It’s not just Rangers or Sunderland’s Championship rivals who’ll be left disappointed either, with Olympiakos also linked to Ross Stewart earlier in the season.
Stewart injuries a Rangers red flag
The Ross Stewart contract news also comes with the player currently sidelined – and out for the season – with an Achilles tendon problem.
The striker must have some agent to have been able to negotiate this contract from the treatment table but as things stand the player is recovering from his second major injury of the campaign.
Scotland international Stewart was out for three months earlier in the season with a hamstring problem and after only six matches back in the side wound up having season-ending Achilles surgery.
Whilst we’re well aware of those snowballing Sunderland reports, even Rangers director Ross Wilson must’ve baulked amid the Ibrox links.
With the Ibrox club’s season being defined by injury, signing Ross Stewart this summer surely would’ve been taken as the start of a bad joke amongst the support.