Sunderland are hopeful that Ross Stewart will sign a long-term contract at the club.
The Black Cats’ Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman, offered a fresh update on the striker’s contract talks during the Foundation of Light’s fixture release breakfast.
Stewart netted 10 goals in only 13 matches in the Championship before he suffered an Achilles tendon injury that ended his season in January.
The 26-year-old’s current deal will expire next summer and he remains in talks over extending his stay at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking on Thursday morning, Speakman said: “It’s just an ongoing conversation.
“We’ve been working really, really hard with the squad, we had a good conversation with Trai Hume and we managed to get that concluded.
“We had an equally long with Dennis Cirkin and we’ve just managed to get that concluded, so I’m really optimistic that we can try to tick off some of these additional ones on the to-do list.
“I’ve said all along that it has to work for both sides, and that doesn’t mean there is any negativity on either side. As a player you’ve got to be comfortable with your deal and as a club you’ve got to manage everything from your side with budgets etc.
“Hopefully we can find a conclusion, and Ross getting fit is obviously going to be a key factor in that.”
It would be surprising if Ross Stewart doesn’t stay at Sunderland
Ross Stewart’s future looked a lot more concerning earlier this season when he was banging the goals in and the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace were reportedly interested.
However, the striker has been out of action since January and may not be ready to start the season in two months either.
While Stewart will undoubtedly be on fire once he returns to full fitness, the interested in his signature has since cooled.
Given the Scot’s love for the club, it seems a sensible idea for him to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light as he looks to get back to his best.
As for Sunderland, they should be willing to break the bank to keep the 26-year-old on Wearside as he is completely irreplaceable.
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