Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has suggested that if Aiden McGeady signs a new deal with the Black Cats this summer it would be purely for playing reasons and insisted it would be a coup for Lee Johnson’s side.

McGeady’s contract is due to expire this summer and it has recently been reported by the Northern Echo that the attacker has received plenty of offers from elsewhere.

However, the same report outlined that despite those other offers his preference would be to sign a fresh deal and remain at the Stadium of Light for next term.

The 35-year-old reminded the Black Cats of his worth last season after coming back from the cold under Johnson and contributing four goals and 16 assists in his 31 appearances for them in the third tier. That shows the impact that he can still have for Sunderland as they aim to tie him down to a new contract.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips insisted that McGeady remains one of the best players at League One level and therefore getting him to sign a new deal would be a major coup for them. While he also believes that it will not be about money for the attacker and his decision to stay would be based on wanting to play.

He said: “It sounds like he wants to stay for the right reasons which is great.

“Nobody can question his ability because he is an amazing player. We saw that last season.

“If he is to sign a new deal you would like to think he can have a right good go next season and finally get Sunderland promoted.

“It must be tempting when Championship clubs want you and are offering perhaps more money than you are being offered by Sunderland.

“I doubt it is about money for McGeady now though. He has earned a lot over the years I imagine.

“For him, it is probably about playing week in, week out. He knows if he stays he will do that.

“We know he is one of, if not the best player in the league. If he re-signed and continued the form he showed last season then it would be a big coup for Sunderland.”

The verdict

Phillips is spot on here, there is no doubt that McGeady is still even at the age of 35 an exceptional player at League One level. There are few other players at the level that could provide the amount of consistent quality deliveries into the penalty area as the attacker does. He is a weapon that Sunderland need to keep around their squad for next term.

It does seem that McGeady has had the chance to make a move elsewhere this summer, but he is wanting to stick around at the Stadium of Light. That shows he has the right attitude and that he is willing to give his all to help the Black Cats finally get promoted back to the Championship.

McGeady’s transformation in the second half of last season under Johnson was remarkable and you can imagine he will only improve for the Black Cats if he is handed a new contract for next term. Keeping hold of him seems to be a no-brainer really and they need to get it sorted as soon as possible.