Simon Grayson hopes to bring Aston Villa’s Ross McCormack to Sunderland, having previously worked with the forward at Leeds United.
According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Sunderland are keen to sign Ross McCormack from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window – and judging by Simon Grayson’s comments about the striker during their time together at Leeds, it is perhaps hardly a surprise that the Black Cats are keen.
Back in 2011, McCormack was starting his second season at Elland Road, and was looking for a much improved year after scoring just twice in 21 league games for the Whites in his first campaign with the club.
Ross McCormack
And by the time the first international break of the 2011/12 season came about, McCormack had already scored nine times in 11 games in all competitions – prompting Grayson to express his disbelief as the forward missed out on the Scotland squad.
“When I paid the money, I knew he had quality in abundance,” he added. “He’s seen an opportunity this season and he’s taken it.”
Grayson would leave the club later that season, and McCormack’s goals would predominantly dry up with just five coming until the end of the season after the manager’s departure in February 2012.
Simon Grayson
McCormack would rediscover his best form during his final year at Leeds and would enjoy a good spell at Fulham, for whom he scored 38 times in 89 Championship games.
Though his form since his switch to Villa has been underwhelming to say the least, Grayson may be hoping that if he can get the 30-year-old to come to the Stadium of Light, he can help the Scotsman rediscover the form that left him perplexed six years ago as to how McCormack had missed out on international recognition.
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