Rangers-linked Sunderland star Ross Stewart continues his fine scoring form at the Stadium of Light – as the club’s sporting director discusses the striker’s future amid reports of a £10m valuation.
The Gers are one of a number of clubs who’ve been extensively linked with a move for Ross Stewart ahead of the January window, with the striker’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
After Ibrox sporting director Ross Wilson claimed the club are looking for Scottish-trained talent, a move for the potent Scotland international may not be a bad idea at all given the player’s current situation.
Rangers were originally linked to ex-Ross County strike Ross Stewart in the summer alongside several Championship sides whilst Greek giants Olympiakos have been mentioned recently.
But according to Football Insider, the situation is complicated by an extension clause in the player’s contract, which would allow Sunderland to get another year out of the player, as well as the fresh contract discussions.
They suggest Sunderland are trying to strike a new deal with the forward amid interest from Rangers and Middlesbrough but if Ross Stewart is to move, it’ll take £10m to sign him.
This would obviously rule Rangers out of the running with this a substantial investment to make on a player like Ross Stewart and one which could objectively be spent better elsewhere.
Sunderland hope to keep Ross Stewart amid Rangers links
The discussion comes after Stewart scored twice in Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Blackburn, with the forward netting from the penalty spot after previously scoring an own goal only minutes earlier.
Ellis Simms – the Everton loanee another who was linked to Rangers in the summer – scored the winner with Sunderland now up to 8th in a competitive Championship table.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman also claimed during a recent supporters’ meeting – as per the Sunderland Echo – that the club remain hopeful of striking a deal with the player.
Discussing Sunderland’s need to improve player trading, Speakman also suggested that the striker is keen on an extended stay in the English northeast.
“With our most high-profile players, we want to maintain and retain the players that are having a positive impact both on and off the pitch for Sunderland,” explains Speakman.
“Naturally Ross Stewart fits this profile, but Ross does have a significant period of time left on his contract.
“Unfortunately, it becomes a polarising discussion where it is either the Club don’t want to pay the money and fans start demanding that money is spent. This is a nonsensical start point and no business would operate under that model. Or the other end of the spectrum is a player is holding the Club to ransom.
“Neither of these are true with Ross. The Club wants to retain the player and the player wants to stay – and is naturally doing well at this time. Ross needs to make the best decision for his livelihood. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to stay and this is the basis of a typical negotiation which can sometimes take up to 18 months at a time.
“This isn’t an unusual situation that anyone should be getting worried about, but I do appreciate the supporters are keen we tie Ross Stewart onto a longer-term contract. These feelings are replicated internally.”
Rangers fans will best remember Ross Stewart from his time with Ross County, with the striker netting 35 goals and laying on eight assists in 73 games since joining Sunderland in January 2021.
This season, Stewart has seen his campaign interrupted by injury but is now back in the Sunderland squad and back amongst the goals, netting an impressive six goals in eight games.
Speaking about contracts, Rangers have been handed a devastating blow which means one popular first-teamer could’ve played his final game for the club.
