A big Sunderland transfer development has emerged on interest in the club's top scorer Ross Stewart...
What's the talk?
According to The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson, Scottish giants Rangers are now lining up a swoop to land the centre-forward.
The reporter has claimed that the Premiership side want the Scotland international to replace Alfredo Morelos if they are forced to sell their striker.
He Tweeted: "TRANSFER LATEST: Rangers make SAFC striker Ross Stewart their 'number one option' to replace Alfredo Morelos, with contract talks with the Colombian stalling. Sunderland will be offering Stewart a new deal, but there's been no formal talks yet..."
Kristjaan Speakman will be scrambling
The Black Cats chief will now be scrambling to pin the club's number nine to a contract extension in order to ward off interest from the Gers.
Stewart will be a crucial player for the club in the Championship next season and is not a player Speakman or Alex Neil will be wanting to replace this summer. He enjoyed an outstanding campaign in League One and has shown that he has the potential to make the step up to the second tier.
In the third division, the striker produced 26 goals in 49 games as he proved that he can find the back of the net on a regular basis at that level. He also created nine 'big chances' and made 1.3 key passes per game for his teammates, showing that he can create as well as score.
A concern for Sunderland is that Rangers are in with a shot of qualifying for the Champions League and will be competing for trophies in their domestic competition, whilst also reaching the Europa League final last term. This may be a tempting prospect for Stewart and that is why Speakman will be rushing to agree a new contract with him.
If the Black Cats can pin him down to fresh terms before the Light Blues decide what they are going to do with Morelos then they will have a better chance of keeping him as they will be in a healthier position to negotiate with Rangers.
Therefore, Speakman will now be scrambling to start negotiations with Stewart and will be attempting to convince the Scot to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light instead of pushing to sign for Gio van Bronckhorst's team.