Sunderland remain determined to convince Ross Stewart to commit his long-term future to the club, insists sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. The in-form Scotland international striker's future has been the subject of much speculation this season, with a queue of clubs linked with him as he scored nine goals in 11 Championship outings this season to add to the 26 goals he scored last season to power the Black Cats to promotion from League One.
Stewart moved to Wearside from Scottish Premiership side Ross County two years ago and his initial contract was due to run until this summer, but Sunderland have since activated their option to extend it by a further 12 months to the summer of 2024. But negotiations between the club and the player's representatives are ongoing in the hope that a new, improved, deal can be struck.
And Speakman believes Stewart's performances - and his desire to recover from the thigh injury that hampered him earlier in the season - have underlined his commitment to Sunderland's cause as talks continue. "Firstly it's important to say that we're really dedicated and being pro-active to try and get Ross to sign a new contract, everyone is geared up to make that happen and feel that's the right outcome," Speakman told the club's official website.
