Premier League strugglers Norwich City want to sign Ross Stewart with the Scotland striker facing an uncertain future at Sunderland, according to The Sun (27 March, page 67).
It’s not often a club sells their 31-goal top scorer and bounces back. But, thanks to one of the most inspired signings made by any EFL club in recent times, Sunderland have done exactly that.
Stewart, a £300,000 signing from Ross County, has 22 goals in all competitions this term. And thought he might fall short of Wyke’s 2020/21 tally, Sunderland supporters will tell you that Stewart is a more complete, all-round centre-forward than his predecessor.
An emphatic finisher, yes. But someone who can also contribute effectively outside the penalty area, in contrast to the lethal but limited Wyke.
“Everyone talks about Ross Stewart’s goals,” said Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley recently (Chronicle).
“But the way he defends from the front is the reason why for me is the best forward in the division.
Stewart has just over 12 months left on his contract at the Stadium of Light, however. Inevitably, clubs higher up the footballing pyramid are taking an interest.
According to The Sun, Norwich City are one of those, with Aberdeen also keen to bring the so-called ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ back to his homeland north of the border.
Is Ross Stewart leaving Sunderland?
According to the Daily Record, Sunderland are aware of interest in their top-scoring talisman.
As a result, the Black Cats are hoping to tie Stewart down to a new deal at the earliest opportunity. Doing so may be easier said than done, however, with Alex Neil’s side facing up to another season in League One.
Sunderland dropped out of the play-off places this weekend despite an upturn in form following Lee Johnson’s dismissal.
Norwich, meanwhile, appear to be hurtling back to the Championship, their return to the Premier League proving to be little more than a flying visit.
Football’s modern-day ‘yo-yo club’ will be expected to bounce back again should they retain their most talented players, however, while Stewart could ease the burden of expectation on Teemu Pukki’s shoulders.
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