The importance of Ross Stewart to Sunderland was shown once again this past Saturday when he came off the bench to score for the Black Cats against Hull City.

Whilst it did not end up being the winning goal, the Scotland international showed his clinical touch in-front of goal to net his sixth goal of the campaign - one which has been majorly hit by injury when he tore his thigh muscle back in September.

Saturday was Stewart's belated return to the pitch, but with the January transfer window around the corner perhaps the Sunderland hierarchy would prefer for him to not be in the spotlight with a plethora of clubs said to be looking at him.

Stewart's contract situation means that as of right now, overseas clubs can talk to him regarding a pre-contract arrangement in January, although Sunderland have the option to extend his deal on his current wage until the summer of 2024 and that will surely be triggered if they cannot agree fresh terms.

 

 

 

 

With Stewart still on his first Black Cats contract though from his January 2021 arrival from Ross County, the chances are that as the club's talisman he will be seeking a big pay-rise.

No new deal has been forthcoming so far, and that has alerted several clubs ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

As exclusively revealed by Football League World a number of weeks ago, Stewart is wanted by Old Firm pair Rangers and Celtic to bolster their strike-forces, in a move which would no doubt appeal due to their yearly European prospects.

They are said to be joined by Sunderland's Championship rivals Middlesbrough, who tried to spend big on a new striker in the summer with bids for Jorgen Strand Larsen and Emil Riis turned down, so the Teessiders perhaps have the funds to strike a deal - although reports suggest they know they are outsiders to complete a transfer.

The name of Olympiacos have also been thrown into the mix as potential suitors, but any club who wants to buy Stewart in January will have to get their wallets out.

That is because according to Football Insider, Sunderland have placed a whopping £10 million price-tag on their star striker, which could potentially see off the interest in his signature.

The Black Cats hierarchy quite clearly want to keep Stewart at the Stadium of Light, but after they inevitably trigger his one-year extension, they are going to have to work very hard to tie him down to a more long-term deal.