Journalist James Copley has claimed that it is looking likely Ross Stewart will remain at Sunderland after the Black Cats gained promotion to the Championship.
Stewart signed for Sunderland from Ross County in January last year, and was immense this season for his side after scoring 26 goals in the league, which made him the joint-top scorer with Wigan Athletic’s Will Keane.
There have been reports that Stewart is a wanted man by Rangers in the Scottish Premiership as well as several Championship clubs, but Alex Neil is reportedly ready to offer him a deal to make him the highest-paid player at the club to keep him at the Stadium of Light.
Despite the reports of a move away from Sunderland for Stewart, Copley said on The Roar Podcast that it looks like they will be keeping hold of him next season.
Copley said: “He’s just a very, very good footballer and I am absolutely delighted that we’ve got promoted, so it looks like we’ll be holding on to him.”
Do you think Stewart will leave Sunderland?Yes
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TIF Thoughts on Copley’s comments…
Stewart, who has been lauded as an ‘excellent prospect’, has been a standout performer for Sunderland this season. Not only was he the joint-top scorer in League One with 26 goals, but he also had the highest average player rating at the club (7.25) and he created the most big chances for his side (9), as per SofaScore.
It would be a huge boost for Neil if he could keep Stewart next season in the Championship, because he is one of the main reasons that Sunderland gained promotion from League One, so extending his stay on Wearside could be crucial to having a good campaign next term.
However, keeping Stewart at the Stadium of Light might prove a tough task if clubs such as Rangers come in for him and offer him a big contract, with a chance to play in the Champions League.