Ross Stewart in line for new contract as Sunderland look to fend off suitors

Sunderland are set to offer Ross Stewart a new deal at the Stadium of Light, according to the latest reports. The Daily Record claims the Black Cats have become aware of a number of suitors interested in their number 14.

Stewart leads the League One goal scoring charts with 22 goals this season and four assists to his name. His fine form in a red and white shirt saw him earn is first call up to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad, but was an unused substitute against Poland last night.

The Black Cats forward could feature for the Scots against Austria in a friendly next week. Sunderland's focus is on ensuring play-off qualification but want to open talks with Stewart and his representatives when he returns from international duty next week.

Swansea City were among the interested parties, with the Championship outfit expressing a keen interest in Stewart in the January transfer window. Former Sunderland boss Lee Johnson said last year that he believes the Scot could play in the Championship.

He added that Stewart's move to the Stadium of Light was a 'coup' after scoring on his Black Cats debut. Having had a taste of international football, Stewart will no doubt want to make himself a regular part of the Scotland squad. A target Clarke himself has set the Black Cats striker.

Speaking ahead of Scotland's game with Poland, Clarke said: “He had quite a quick rise when he did well at Ross County, scored a few goals and got his move to Sunderland. I like the way he moves on the pitch and I like the way he scores goals.

“People might say, ‘He’s only scoring at League One level’, but you have to realise he is playing for a big club with big demands. Sunderland are definitely in the wrong league and there is always pressure at a club