Sunderland are not giving up in their pursuit of Ross McCormack, who remains at Aston Villa despite being told he can leave.
The doom mongers were out in force this summer, tipping Sunderland to follow in the footsteps of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and co and tumbling into lower league purgatory.
However, the early signs are positive indeed under the new reign of Simon Grayson. An opening day draw with Derby County preceded Sunday’s eye-catching 3-1 win against Norwich City, a victory secured with just 29 per cent possession.
Furthermore, while the enigmatic Aiden McGeady hogged the headlines, the burgeoning partnership between James Vaughan and Lewis Grabban, who netted twice at Carrow Road, bodes very well for a campaign that may not be quite as disastrous as many had predicted.
The Chronicle reported last week that The Black Cats were stepping up their pursuit of the 30-year-old striker after the departure of Jeremain Lens to Besiktas provided Grayson with some much needed funds.
Villa boss Steve Bruce, who was embroiled in a high-profile fall-out with McCormack last season after the Scot failed to attend training because the electric gates outside his house had broken, has already admitted that he can leave the club.
Fresh start
And Sunderland will be hoping they can make a breakthrough in negotiations before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
McCormack has been one of the most lethal strikers in the Championship over the last few years and worked with Grayson during an impressive spell at Leeds United.
However, his reputation took a battering last season after a £12 million move to Villa from Fulham (BBC) resulted in just three goals in 20 Championship appearances.
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