£2.2 million striker Sam Surridge hopes to fight for his place at Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest despite interest from Championship duo Burnley and Sunderland, according to The Athletic.
With Steve Cooper intent on bringing in a new number nine during the January transfer window, Surridge certainly seemed to miss his chance – both literally and figuratively – during Forest’s thumping 4-1 FA Cup third round defeat away at Blackpool on Saturday.
In a rare start, the former Stoke City forward did very little to stake his claim for more game time at Bloomfield Road. Surridge squandered a trio of golden opportunities; the form that made him such a key member of Cooper’s promotion-winning squad last season deserting him by the seaside.
Nonetheless, the 6ft 3ins number nine remains determined to bounce back and prove that he can still make an impact in the Premier League.
Per The Athletic, Sunderland and league-leaders Burnley are ready to offer Surridge a fresh start in the Championship.
But, just 12 months after joining Nottingham Forest in a £2.2 million deal, the Berkshire-born 24-year-old is refusing to give up on his City Ground career just yet. Surridge, The Athletic adds, ‘would prefer to remain at Forest’ until the summer at least.
Sunderland and Burnley like Sam Surridge of Nottingham Forest
“We know what Sam gives us,” Cooper said before Saturday’s shock defeat at Blackpool
“He would like to start more games. But what he is doing is keeping his head down, working hard and staying ready. We love Sam. He is so popular around the training ground. He’s a fantastic professional.
“Everyone is really fond of him. The fans will know how important he has been for us. We really enjoy working with Sam. We enjoy having him here.”
Surridge scored seven goals in just seven Championship starts as Nottingham Forest ended their near-quarter-of-a-century absence from the top-flight last season. Sunderland’s interest comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Ross Stewart, even if Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray is confident that the Scotland international will stay at the Stadium of Light.
Burnley, meanwhile, have made a new centre-forward their top priority this month. Kompany’s Clarets are cruising at the top of the table, but arguably lack a consistent goalscoring presence through the middle. That is despite the best efforts of a rejuvenated Jay Rodriguez.
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