Sunderland will not be interested in Ross McCormack for a transfer - even if he becomes available on a free - according to Chronicle Live.

The permanent window is shut now, of course, but he is available on a loan deal until the end of this month.

Indeed, he'll certainly be eager to try and find a new club with him being left out of Villa's squad for the Championship season.

Clearly, his and Steve Bruce's relationship is beyond repair and it remains to be seen exactly when the player is going to leave the club and where he'll head.

Wearside would seem an unlikely destination for him now, though, with Jack Ross apparently preferring a young and hungry player to come in as an extra forward rather than McCormack.

The Verdict

The Scottish forward still has quality to offer but he is starting to run out of time if he wants to earn one final shot at something like the Premier League.

He's not going to get it with Villa and Sunderland aren't interested too - with them aiming to get back into the top flight surely in the long run.

He has the ability, but are clubs willing to take a punt on him? At the moment it seems no...