Sunderland remain hopeful of agreeing a deal with Aston Villa over the loan of Ross McCormack between now and the end of the transfer window, reports the Shields Gazette.

There are just days of the transfer window remaining, but Sunderland are hopeful of securing a deal to sign McCormack on-loan for the rest of the season, with Simon Grayson keen to link back up with the striker he previously managed at Leeds United.

McCormack has been deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park, with Steve Bruce not seeing the striker as part of his plans heading forward, with Villa willing to send the striker out on-loan for a second spell.

The 31-year-old has endured a difficult spell since moving to Aston Villa, scoring just three goals for the Midlands outfit following his £12m move from Fulham little over 12-months ago.

Prior to his move to Villa Park, the Scottish international was among the best in the Championship, scoring well over 100 goals during spells with Cardiff City, Leeds and Fulham between 2008 and 2016.

Grayson is hopeful he can add McCormack to his squad between now and Thursday’s transfer deadline, after Sunderland’s form hit a rough patch over the last two-weeks, following back-to-back defeats against Leeds and Barnsley.

The Verdict

Whilst McCormack’s form over the last 12-months has left a lot to be desired, his quality and experience in the Championship cannot be disputed.

Prior to his move to Villa, McCormack was among the best in the division and whilst it is still a risk Sunderland pushing to sign him, they are approaching it cautiously by trying to sign him on-loan.

If Grayson can help McCormack rediscover his best, he would be seen as one of the Championship’s best signings of the summer.

Sunderland fans… Let us know your thoughts!