Sunderland's move for Ross Stewart has stalled, according to reports from the Northern Echo.

Reports from the Scottish Sun claimed that the Black Cats were plotting a move for the Ross County striker before the end of the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and after scoring six goals so far this term it seems that he's attracting plenty of interest.

It's claimed that a deal to buy the player would cost Sunderland around £500k, however according to a fresh report, it seems that negotiations have slowed.

Writing for the Northern Echo, Wilson wrote: "Johnson is actively targeting the Scottish Premier League this month, with Sunderland officials also having held talks with the hierarhcy at Ross County over £500,000-rated striker Ross Stewart.

"However, those talks are currently at something of an impasse, with Ross County owner Roy MacGregor reportedly having stated that Stewart will not be sold this month.

"Ross County are understood to have turned down a formal offer of around £100,000 from MK Dons, with MacGregor preferring to keep Stewart for the second half of the season even it means having to lose him for nothing in the summer when his current contract expires."

Quiz: Have any of these 22 players ever been in Sunderland’s academy?

The Verdict

It'll be interesting to see if this deal gets done.

Sunderland are clearly keen on the attacker but Ross County are naturally pushing to get as high a fee as they possibly can.

Whether there'll be a breakthrough before the window closes remains to be seen, but Lee Johnson will certainly be looking to get a deal done as soon as possible if he can.