Exclusive: Sunderland rocked as Ross Stewart rejects multiple contract offers; Rangers, Stoke, Southampton and Middlesbrough all circle
Sunderland are facing a battle to hang on to Ross Stewart this summer, with the Scotland international rejecting numerous contract offers in a development that has alerted four sides, TEAMtalk understands.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a superb 18 months prior to rupturing his Achilles tendon during an FA Cup clash with Fulham in January.
Indeed, Stewart bagged 26 goals in 49 League One matches (including the play-offs) to help fire Sunderland into the Championship in the 2021/22 campaign.
Stewart took his game up a notch in the Championship, scoring 10 times in 13 appearances either side of a hamstring injury.
A subsequent Achilles rupture ended his campaign in January and while he’ll miss the start of the new season, Stewart will return shortly thereafter.
Stewart has entered the final year of his contract at the Stadium of Light and TEAMtalk has learned Sunderland’s attempts to forge an extension have not borne fruit.
We understand that the offers are someway below Stewart’s expectations and not reflective of a player who is considered one of the best centre-forwards in the Championship.
As such, a host of Championship clubs including Southampton, Stoke City and local rivals Middlesbrough are amongst the sides interested in signing the striker.
From further afield, we understand Scottish giants Rangers are interested in bringing Stewart back across the border.
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