According to reliable journalist, Alan Nixon, Sunderland’s attempt to sign Ross McCormack is being hindered by the expense of any potential deal.

Aston Villa signed McCormack little over 12-months ago for £12m, but the Scottish striker has struggled to settle at Villa Park and has been deemed surplus to requirements by Steve Bruce.

Sunderland are keen to take McCormack away from Villa Park, with Simon Grayson looking to reunite with the player who he managed at Leeds United earlier in his career.

However, Nixon’s latest update indicates that Sunderland’s attempts to sign McCormack have become difficult, despite other reports claiming a deal between the two parties was close.

McCormack is yet to feature for Villa this season, despite Bruce using a number of different squad players in the three fixtures so far.

Gabby Agbonlahor and Scott Hogan have been preferred in the two Championship fixtures this season, whilst Callum O’Hare and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy were both given opportunities in the Carabao Cup victory over Colchester.

Despite the 30-year-old seemingly heading for the Villa Park exit door, he is set to be given a chance to impress in the coming week, but for Villa’s under-23 side.

Villa’s first-team face Reading on Tuesday evening, where they will be looking for their first victory of the season.

The Verdict

McCormack’s wage and any potential fee, either permanent or loan, was always going to be a problem when negotiating a move away from Aston Villa.

However, we will learn a lot about Sunderland’s desire to sign McCormack and ambition in the coming weeks, as they look to finalise a deal.

McCormack’s form over the last year has been disappointing, but Grayson will be looking past that and at the player who impressed in the Championship well before his move to Villa Park.

Sunderland and Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!